Kinshasa – The Minister of Public Health, Hygiene and Prevention has been summoned by the National Assembly to appear in plenary on Monday, November 24, 2025, to respond to concerns over the rapid rise of cosmetic procedures, specifically Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) surgeries, across the capital.
The summons follows an urgent question submitted by National Deputy Guy Mafuta Kabongo, who warned lawmakers about the serious health risks linked to these operations.
Many of the procedures are reportedly being done in clandestine clinics, private homes, or makeshift facilities by unqualified practitioners, exposing women to infections, permanent disfigurement, and even death.
Deputy Mafuta said the situation in Kinshasa has reached an alarming level, stressing that authorities can no longer ignore the shadow industry operating without regulation or oversight.
Several cases of severe post-surgery complications have been reported in recent months, with some victims afraid to seek help because the clinics operate illegally.
The National Assembly expects the Minister to explain what measures the government is taking to curb the underground cosmetic surgery market, strengthen public health protections, and enforce medical regulations.
Lawmakers also want clarity on why unlicensed practitioners continue to operate freely and what accountability mechanisms are being implemented.
The matter has triggered public debate in the DRC, where the demand for aesthetic enhancement, driven by social media and celebrity influence, has grown despite limited regulation and high medical risks.
Monday’s plenary session is expected to draw widespread attention as lawmakers address a growing public health challenge affecting young women in Kinshasa.