The fast-mushrooming beauty clinic industry in Mandya and Ramanagaram districts has come under the scanner of the Department of Health and Family Welfare, with many clinics allegedly operating in violation of the rules.
The State government has mandated that all private clinics offering beauty care/skincare services be registered with the Health Department under the Karnataka Private Medical Establishments Act (KPMEA), 2007. However, according to sources, none of the owners of such establishments in Mandya have registered with the department so far.
The department has now decided to initiate legal action against the “illegal beauty care centres” in both districts, a senior officer said.
Speaking to The Hindu over phone from Bengaluru on Thursday, the officer added, “There are around 150 beauty clinics and spas in Mandya and Ramanagaram districts. They are providing services such as plastic-rich plasma, micro needling and hair transplantation without registering with the department. A majority of the customers are found to be from Bengaluru and Mysuru.”
Vigilance teams
According to the officer, the department is contemplating holding massive raids against such establishments. Vigilance teams at the district and taluk levels have been formed in both districts. Equipment will be impounded and cases will be booked against the spas, resorts and other places where beauty and skincare services are being offered.
Dr. Mohan, District Health Officer, Mandya, has also instructed all spas, massage parlours and beauty clinics in the district to immediately register with the department. The establishments should appoint trained technicians and nurses apart from obtaining licence, he has stated in the circular.
Mandya and Ramanagaram have many popular and historical tourist attractions such as Muthathi, Mekedatu, Srirangapatna, Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, Brindavan Gardens and the Krishnaraja Sagar reservoir. Their own tremendous tourist potential and the frequent raids in recent years on spas and massage parlours in Bengaluru have been prompting people to set up beauty clinics in Mandya and Ramanagaram. Many resorts along the course of the Cauvery and Shimsha rivers, and at some popular picnic spots in both the districts, have also established spas.
