Taipei tightens oversight of cosmetic clinics

台北加強對醫美診所的監管

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taipei City’s Department of Health said Tuesday it will step up inspections of cosmetic clinics performing surgical procedures and administering general anesthesia, due to growing concerns over patient safety.

The initiative follows the death of a car show model surnamed Tsai (蔡), who fell into critical condition in May after receiving the intravenous anesthesia propofol at a Taipei cosmetic clinic. Despite intensive emergency care, Tsai died several days later, drawing attention to oversight gaps in the aesthetic medical sector, according to CNA.

This year, clinics offering surgeries under general anesthesia have been designated a priority for inspection. General anesthesia involves using intravenous drugs or inhaled gases to render a patient unconscious and pain-free.

During the procedure, medical staff monitor vital signs such as breathing, blood pressure, and heart rate using specialized equipment to ensure patient safety. Cosmetic procedures such as bone shaving, facelifts, and liposuction are classified as regulated medical acts.

Health authorities said they must be performed by board-certified specialists. Regulations also mandate that licensed anesthesiologists to be present during procedures involving general anesthesia.

Inspections will assess whether general anesthesia is being administered appropriately, whether staff hold valid emergency care certifications, and whether patients are adequately informed before procedures. Clinics must also provide signed consent forms for both surgery and anesthesia.

Breaches of medical regulations may result in penalties, and the names of non-compliant institutions will be made public on the health department’s official website. Authorities encourage the public to consult these listings and choose licensed, qualified providers.

In addition, the public is advised to review the Ministry of Health and Welfare’s standardized consent and procedure information forms and always request an official receipt for any services received.

The department warned against trusting promotional slogans like “best in the nation” or “most professional,” which can be exaggerated or misleading. It also cautioned against participating in group-buy promotions, giveaways, or steep discounts, and strongly discouraged making advance payments or purchasing treatment packages before undergoing proper consultation.

To further protect public safety, the city maintains a “high-risk clinic” list for facilities repeatedly found to have broken medical regulations or been involved in incidents. These clinics are placed under enhanced supervision, audits, and follow-up inspections.