Egyptian Authorities Shut Down Illegal Weight Loss Center Run by Unqualified Individual
In a significant action against unlicensed medical facilities, health authorities in Dakahlia Governorate have shut down a weight loss center managed by an individual without proper medical qualifications. The operator, who holds a Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, was found to be illegally running the center in the city of Dekernes.
The Health Directorate's inspection campaign also targeted two additional centers focused on addiction and mental health treatment in Mansoura and Talkha. This effort involved inspectors from the Drug Authority and representatives from both regional and national mental health councils, leading to reports of legal violations against those in charge.
Dr. El-Sayed Farouk, the deputy director for therapeutic medicine at the directorate, emphasized the ongoing commitment to conducting surprise inspections of private medical facilities, asserting that practices endangering public health will not be tolerated.
Investigations indicate a troubling trend where graduates from agriculture, science, and physical education programs claim expertise in nutrition. These centers often utilize unverified medications and supplements, contributing to serious health issues such as kidney failure and liver cirrhosis among patients.
In response to these challenges, the Ministry of Health is collaborating with the House of Representatives to amend medical practice laws, aiming to impose stricter penalties for impersonating medical professionals, which could include significant fines and prison sentences, in an effort to safeguard public health.
