By Ebi Kesiena
A Rwandan Member of Parliament, Jean Claude Mazimpaka has called for regulation of cosmetic surgery procedures in the country, emphasizing the need for oversight as demand grows, particularly among young people.
Mazimpaka raised the suggestion during a legislative session where Health Minister Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana presented a draft law on healthcare services to the Chamber of Deputies.
Cosmetic surgery, a branch of plastic surgery focused on altering or enhancing physical appearance, is already available in Rwanda.
Major institutions such as King Faisal Hospital and Rwanda Military Referral and Teaching Hospital offer procedures like breast augmentation, facelifts, tummy tucks, and liposuction. The Military Hospital is also planning to introduce rhinoplasty (nose reshaping) and blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) to its services.
Mazimpaka noted the increasing global popularity of cosmetic surgery, particularly among young adults seeking to modify their appearance, and questioned whether the new healthcare bill would address regulatory measures for these procedures.
Minister Nsanzimana acknowledged the emerging demand for cosmetic surgery in Rwanda, describing it as a global trend that has recently begun to take root in the country.
He suggested that the regulation of cosmetic surgery could be further discussed at the parliamentary committee level, explaining that it was not seen as a primary focus at the time of drafting the bill.
“Our priority in this bill is to address essential healthcare needs, particularly for individuals who lack access to necessary services, such as those requiring reproductive assistance,” Nsanzimana said, pointing to services like surrogacy.
He added, “As for body modification, our laws will continue to evolve to keep pace with developments over time.”
