Qatar's Health Ministry Shuts Down Dermatology Center Over Regulatory Violations

Qatar’s Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has announced the temporary closure of a private dermatology and laser unit after inspections revealed significant breaches of health sector laws and regulations, underscoring the government’s ongoing efforts to ensure public safety and quality care.

In a statement, the MoPH said the decision comes as part of its regular monitoring and inspection measures carried out by the Department of Healthcare Professions. The inspections found the centre was operating the dermatology and laser unit without the presence of a specialist physician, a breach of licensing requirements.

Authorities also determined that nursing staff were performing laser treatments beyond the scope of their professional licences, including administering procedures without prior medical consultation or direct supervision by a qualified specialist. The ministry noted that the unit had even used the specialist physician’s official stamp while that doctor was outside the country, raising further compliance concerns.

The MoPH stressed that all licensed health facilities must comply with Qatar’s healthcare laws and regulations, which mandate that medical directors play an active role in overseeing clinical operations to protect patient safety and uphold standards of care.

Officials confirmed that legal measures are being pursued against both the healthcare facility and the practitioners involved in the violations, reflecting the ministry’s commitment to strict enforcement of professional practice standards.

The closure highlights an ongoing regulatory crackdown by Qatari authorities on unlicensed or improperly supervised medical practices. In recent months, the ministry has taken action against unlicensed cosmetic practitioners and advised the public to seek services only from licensed facilities and registered healthcare professionals to ensure safe and compliant care.

The MoPH reiterated that these enforcement actions aim to safeguard patients and ensure high quality healthcare services throughout the country, and it urged both patients and healthcare providers to adhere strictly to licensing requirements and professional standards.