NBI Arrests Seven Linked to Unlicensed Medical Clinic in Makati

 

Authorities have dismantled an unauthorized medical facility in Makati City following the arrest of seven individuals accused of running an illegal healthcare operation. The crackdown was carried out by operatives of the National Bureau of Investigation through its Special Action Unit during an operation conducted on March 19.

The group consists of one Filipino and six foreign nationals. Investigators said the suspects were apprehended inside a clinic that had been performing medical procedures without the required authorization from Philippine regulators. The bureau did not disclose the identities of those arrested.

According to the NBI, four of the foreign nationals were caught while actively conducting invasive medical procedures during the raid. Authorities described the scene as clear evidence of ongoing medical practice despite the absence of proper licenses. Two other foreigners were identified as the managers responsible for supervising and coordinating the clinic’s operations, while a Filipino receptionist was also taken into custody for assisting in the facility’s activities.

The investigation began after the bureau received intelligence about a clinic allegedly offering medical services without the necessary government permits. Surveillance later confirmed that the establishment had been marketing hair transplant procedures, with fees reportedly reaching as high as ₱220,000 per treatment. Such pricing suggested a business operating at a commercial scale rather than a small informal practice.

Regulatory verification further strengthened the case. The Professional Regulation Commission confirmed that the foreign individuals involved had no valid licenses to practice medicine in the Philippines. They also lacked the special temporary permits that allow foreign physicians to legally perform medical services in the country.

Following the operation, authorities filed formal complaints before the Makati City Office of the Prosecutor. The charges include violations of Section 28 of Republic Act No. 2382, which governs the lawful practice of medicine, as well as provisions under Republic Act No. 10918 related to unauthorized pharmaceutical activities.

Regulators emphasize that the licensing system functions as a safeguard for patient safety. Medical procedures that involve surgical intervention require practitioners to meet strict training and certification standards. When those safeguards are bypassed, the risk shifts directly to patients who may unknowingly undergo complex treatments from unqualified providers.

The NBI stated that investigations remain ongoing to determine whether additional individuals or networks are connected to the illegal clinic’s operations. 🚨🏥