Clients of the Ketthip Beauty Clinic in Sydney’s city centre have been urged to get tested for blood-borne viruses such as HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C after an alarming raid by the New South Wales (NSW) Health Care Complaints Commission. The raid, conducted last Friday, uncovered serious allegations of malpractice, including the use of veterinary equipment for human procedures.
The clinic’s practices have prompted urgent health warnings, with inspectors seizing a substantial amount of surgical tools clearly marked as being for veterinary use only. Additionally, large quantities of controlled medications, some imported illegally into Australia, were found on the premises. At least one individual is believed to have experienced an adverse reaction following a procedure at the clinic.
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As a result of these findings, the local public health unit has raised concerns over the potential exposure of clients to blood-borne viruses. Health authorities are particularly focused on those who underwent infusions, injections, or invasive procedures like microdermabrasion or minor facelifts. Clients are strongly advised to consult with their general practitioners (GPs) and request testing for hepatitis and HIV.
Health Risks and Call for Action
Vicky Sheppeard from the Sydney Local Health District emphasized the critical importance of ensuring that cosmetic procedures are performed by registered health providers. “If you are considering cosmetic injections or procedures, it is vital that the practitioner is a registered health provider,” Sheppeard said. “Ketthip Clinic is another example of unregistered providers putting clients at risk through non-sterile injections of potentially toxic substances.”
She further highlighted that it is straightforward to verify whether a practitioner is licensed by checking the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) website. Sheppeard cautioned against allowing unregistered individuals to perform any injections or invasive procedures.
The clinic has been temporarily shut down for at least eight weeks while the investigation continues. This closure marks the fourth prohibition order issued against a Sydney-based cosmetic clinic or practitioner in the past year, signaling growing concern about safety standards in the local beauty industry.
Public Health Response
The NSW Health Care Complaints Commission has been working to directly contact clients of Ketthip Beauty Clinic where possible. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are committed to addressing any risks posed by unregistered practitioners in the industry. The raid and subsequent findings have brought attention to the critical need for stricter regulation and oversight within the cosmetic and beauty sectors, particularly regarding invasive procedures and the use of medical equipment.
Clients who are concerned about possible exposure to blood-borne viruses are encouraged to seek testing promptly to ensure their health and well-being. The situation has raised broader questions about the oversight of non-registered health providers, with experts calling for more rigorous enforcement to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
