The Ministry of Public Health of the Dominican Republic announced on Friday that from 2024 to April 2026, it has ordered the closure of 501 health and aesthetic service establishments nationwide for violations of General Health Law 42-01 and other current regulations.
The measure was carried out by the Directorate of Authorization of Health Services and Establishments as part of the entity's inspection, surveillance, and sanitary control actions.
According to technical reports, the closures break down as follows: 281 centers closed in 2024, 177 in 2025, and 43 so far in 2026.
In a press release, the Ministry explained that the measures respond to irregularities that put user safety at risk, including operating without a sanitary authorization license or with expired permits.
Closed establishments include medical centers, dental clinics, clinical laboratories, blood banks, diagnostic imaging centers, aesthetic medicine clinics and centers, tattoo studios, and private practices located in the National District, Santo Domingo Oeste, Herrera, Los Alcarrizos, Puerto Plata, San Pedro de Macorís, Bávaro, La Altagracia, and Monseñor Nouel, among other areas.
**Reasons for Closure**
According to inspection reports, the main causes for closure include operating without a sanitary license, expired permits, unauthorized infrastructure alterations, violation of the authorized service portfolio, as well as cases under investigation, including deaths at some centers and complaints of irregularities in services.
Notable cases include blood banks operating without authorization, aesthetic clinics with complaints and unregulated procedures, and surgical centers that did not meet basic operating conditions.
As part of the most recent actions, the Ministry reported that in April 2026, several establishments were closed for non-compliance with sanitary regulations.
**Closed Centers**
- Aplas American Plastic Surgery: for deficiencies in waste management and unauthorized infrastructure modifications. - Clideme, Clinic of Medical and Aesthetic Specialties: for non-compliance with the General Health Law by performing aesthetic procedures and unauthorized internal modifications. - Anatómica de Trasplante Capilar, in La Romana: for foreign personnel working without proper authorization. - Clínica Guzmán, in Jacagua: for an operating room lacking adequate infrastructure and operating an unauthorized hyperbaric chamber. - Banco de Sangre Jireh, in Santo Domingo. - Laboratorio y Banco de Sangre Salud y Vida, in San Francisco de Macorís. - Banco de Sangre Cibao 24/7: for operating without the corresponding authorization.
The health authority indicated that in more than 80% of cases, a cessation of services was applied along with a summons, while other establishments received deadlines to correct irregularities or begin regularization processes.
Source: Read the original report | Published: May 01, 2026