Why is it important to ensure that you only see practitioners registered with The Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa (AHPCSA) and Homeopathic Association of South Africa (HSA)?

Registration with the Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa (AHPCSA) is a statutory requirement for all homeopathic doctors on completion of the necessary qualification prior to entering into practice. The purpose of the AHPCSA is to ensure the South African public is protected and guaranteed access to homeopathic practitioners with legitimate qualifications who are bound by South African medical law and ethical practice.

Education and study

AHPCSA-registered homeopathic doctors complete a 5-year Master’s degree, together with clinical or academic research through either the University of Johannesburg (UJ) or Durban University of Technology (DUT), followed by clinical internship prior to entering the practitioner register.

Rights and responsibilities to diagnose and treat

As primary healthcare professionals, homeopathic doctors are clinically trained to examine patients, request necessary special investigations (e.g. laboratory tests and/or diagnostic imaging), diagnose and treat disease accordingly—but only if they are registered with the AHPCSA.

Registration with the AHPCSA grants homeopathic doctors the same rights, responsibilities and ability to diagnose disease and treat (within scope of practice) as medical doctors.

According to the Allied Health Professions Act, 1982 (Act 63 of 1982):

A registered homoeopathic practitioner may:

• diagnose, and treat or prevent, physical and mental disease, illness or deficiencies in humans

• administer or prescribe, dispense or compound medicine

• provide or prescribe treatment for such disease, illness or deficiencies in humans

Medical aid reimbursement

Only registered healthcare providers can apply for a practice number and register with the Board of Healthcare Funders (BHF). This is essential in the process of medical aid reimbursements.

Continuous learning

AHPCSA registered doctors are required to complete continuing education and clinical upskilling to ensure that their knowledge and clinical skills remain current and up-to-date

Crisis response

AHPCSA registered homeopathic doctors are legally required to hold a current certification in First Aid.

Why look for a homeopath registered with the Homeopathic Association of South Africa (HSA)?

The HSA is recognised by AHPCSA as the official representative of the homeopathic profession. The HSA promotes the homeopathic profession for the improvement of health and well-being of all South Africans. All HSA members are required to be registered with the AHPCSA.

Seeing an HSA-associated homeopath provides further assurance that the doctor is up-to-date on his or her clinical knowledge and are involved in all aspects affecting the profession.

Find a registered homeopath near you on the HSA website: https://homeopathy.org.za/search.