Murcia death prompts Spain to tighten cosmetic surgery rules
The updated regulations aim to stop unqualified practitioners after the high-profile death in Cartagena
Spain is tightening its rules on cosmetic surgery following a high-profile death in Murcia that exposed serious gaps in patient safety.
The reform, approved by the Council of Ministers on Tuesday March 24, comes after the 2022 death of 39-year-old Alcantarilla mum Sara Gómez, who died after undergoing liposuction performed by a Cartagena doctor who was not a qualified specialist in plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery. The case caused widespread outrage and prompted calls for stricter controls.
According to the Ministry of Health, the new decree is designed to ensure that only properly trained and qualified professionals can carry out cosmetic procedures. Officials explained that previous attempts to regulate the sector did not have enough legal backing, which led to this stronger measure.
Under the new rules, all healthcare professionals must be officially registered and will only be allowed to perform procedures that match their level of training and specialisation. Clinics and medical centres will also be legally responsible for making sure their staff meet the required standards.
The ministry pointed out that cosmetic surgery has seen the highest levels of malpractice and cases of professionals working beyond their qualifications, which is why the sector has been targeted. However, the new regulations will apply across the wider healthcare system in an effort to reduce errors and improve patient safety.
Health centres will have six months to ensure their staff comply with the new requirements. They will also need to keep detailed, up-to-date records of their employees’ qualifications and training, and make sure new staff are aware of safety protocols.
The reform will officially come into force on Tuesday July 1, 2026, with regional health authorities given up to a year to fully adapt to the updated system.
According to the government, the changes are aimed at preventing tragedies like the Murcia case from happening again and restoring confidence in cosmetic procedures across Spain.
Image: Freepik
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