Public hospital in Batangas draws amusement and criticism over its free rhinoplasty and blepharoplasty offer

Patients will undergo screening before receiving the procedures scheduled for September 17 to 18.

A public hospital in Batangas recently went viral for offering free nose jobs for a limited time, raising eyebrows among netizens who questioned the need for cosmetic procedures in a public healthcare setting.

In a Facebook post on August 12, the Batangas Provincial Hospital announced free rhinoplasty and blepharoplasty for select patients on September 17 to 18. The hospital said patients will undergo screening to determine whether the procedures are medically necessary.

The initiative is led by the Philippine Academy of Aesthetic Surgery and the Rotary Club of Taal-Lemery.

Rhinoplasty refers to procedures that alter the structure of the nose. It is widely known for cosmetic purposes, as in a nose job, but can also be medically necessary when breathing is heavily affected, particularly after traumatic incidents that leave the face deformed.

Blepharoplasty involves removing excess, sagging skin around the eyes, which can reduce the appearance of eyebags. While often performed for cosmetic reasons, it can also be medically necessary, particularly for older patients whose vision is affected by excess skin around the eyes.

Many netizens expressed interest in the offer, while others criticized the decision to provide free cosmetic procedures at a public hospital amid limited resources, funding, and workforce.

The reputation of cosmetic procedures can be particularly divisive. While such procedures serve as an aspiration for those who hope to feel more attractive and confident, especially due to their popularity among celebrities and social media influencers, many also criticize the practice for perpetuating Eurocentric beauty standards.

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