Petition: Regulate Medical & Aesthetic Procedures and Ban Counterfeit Medical Devices in the UK

To: The UK Government, Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)

Created by: Concerned Healthcare Professionals & Patient Safety Advocates

Petition Overview

We call on the UK Government to introduce urgent legal reforms to:

1. Regulate non-medical practitioners performing aesthetic procedures

2. Ban counterfeit medical devices that put public health at risk

3. Improve public awareness about the dangers of unsafe treatments

The Problem

Currently, in the UK:

Unqualified individuals perform high-risk aesthetic procedures (e.g., dermal fillers, laser treatments, minor skin surgery) without medical training, regulation, or accountability.

Counterfeit and unapproved medical devices are easily available and used in unregulated settings, leading to serious complications, infections, and unsafe patient care.

Patients are misled by cheaper prices and false advertising, unaware of the severe risks involved.

Unlike regulated medical clinics, these unlicensed practitioners operate outside the scope of the Care Quality Commission (CQC), putting public safety at risk.

Our Demands

We urge the government to take immediate action by:

1. Introducing Mandatory Licensing & Regulation for Aesthetic Practitioners

Require formal medical qualifications and professional registration for anyone performing aesthetic medical procedures.

Make CQC registration compulsory for all clinics offering aesthetic and minor surgical treatments.

Enforce criminal penalties for individuals operating outside medical regulations.

2. Banning the Sale & Use of Counterfeit Medical Devices

Strengthen MHRA enforcement against the import, sale, and use of fake or non-compliant medical devices.

Introduce mandatory clinic audits to ensure all equipment meets UK safety standards.

Implement strict legal consequences for those using unapproved medical instruments.

3. Launching a National Public Awareness Campaign

Educate the public about the dangers of unregulated practitioners and counterfeit medical devices.

Create a government database of licensed providers and MHRA-approved devices.

Require clear disclosure of qualifications and CQC status before any medical or aesthetic procedure.

Why This Matters

The current lack of regulation is putting patients at risk. People are suffering unnecessary complications, permanent damage, and even life-threatening outcomes due to unsafe treatments.

Patient safety must come before profit. The government must act now to protect the public from unqualified practitioners and the use of fake medical equipment.

How You Can Help

Sign this petition today to demand urgent legislative changes and ensure the highest medical and ethical standards in aesthetic and minor surgical treatments in the UK.