What awaits plastic surgeons who are not included in the ministry's list?

The Special Inspection Commission created by the Ministry of Health published a list of plastic surgeons authorized to operate within the country, however, this list did not include the names of several popular plastic surgeons who performed operations on numerous patients.

Until now, investigations have been conducted based on complaints against some of these doctors, and they have been held accountable. No legal measures have been taken against others. Interestingly, can plastic surgeons who remain outside the list published by the commission be held accountable? What legal steps can be taken against them?

Responding to questions from Oxu.Az, lawyer Asim Abbasov said that specialists whose names were not included in the list published by the Special Inspection Commission will not face any liability due to the cancellation of their certificates:

"However, if these doctors previously committed a socially dangerous act while performing operations, they are responsible for it. That is, the cancellation of certificates itself does not create a threat of prosecution for them."

The lawyer also noted that private medical, pharmaceutical, and educational activities are types of activities requiring a license:

"Licensing of these areas is aimed at ensuring state security, protecting the environment, and the life and health of people. Persons carrying out activities without a license are held accountable. According to Article 210.1 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Republic of Azerbaijan, for engaging in private medical activities or pharmaceuticals without a license, individuals are fined from two to three thousand manats, officials - from five to ten thousand manats, legal entities - from twenty to thirty thousand manats. At the same time, Article 215 of the Code of Administrative Offenses provides for administrative liability for violation of legislation on public health protection. Thus, according to Article 215.4 of the Code of Administrative Offenses, for allowing persons (employees) who have not been certified in accordance with the legislation to practice medical and pharmaceutical activities, officials are fined from 800 to 1000 manats, legal entities - from six to eight thousand manats."

The lawyer emphasized that persons working without obtaining a license when it is required and engaging in entrepreneurial activities in violation of licensing conditions bear both administrative and criminal liability. Determining whether it is an administrative offense or a criminal offense depends on the amount of damage caused or income received.