Homeopathic doctors have the ability to treat most conditions one would consult a general practitioner for. In situations where surgery or specialised assessment or care is required the homeopath can refer to the necessary specialist.

Homeopaths typically take a very detailed case history, and sometimes spend up to an hour with a new patient asking many questions about their health and their medical condition. This is followed by a physical examination very similar to what you would be used to e.g. blood pressure, pulse, listening to the chest and heart, examining the ears, nose and throat etc.

Since there are no commercial homeopathic pharmacies in South Africa which can fill homeopathic prescriptions, registered homeopaths are legally permitted to dispense their own medication. Homeopaths seldom make their own medicines rather they purchase them in bulk from registered homeopathic pharmaceutical companies and dispense them in smaller quantities to their patients. Homeopathic medicine manufacturers are strictly regulated by law as with other pharmaceutical manufacturers ensuring medicines meet minimum standards of safety and quality.

Homeopathic medicines are produced in registered homoeopathic pharmaceutical laboratories who comply with standards set by SAHPRA (South African Health Products Regulatory Authority, previously known as the Medicines Control Council [MCC]) which govern their safety and quality. As with the manufacture of orthodox medicines homeopathic medicines have to conform to internationally accepted standards published in pharmacopoeias.

Most comprehensive medical aid schemes reimburse their members for homeopathic consultation fees and medicines dispensed by the respective homeopath provided the practitioner is a legally registered homeopath i.e. has a registration number and practice number.

The education and training of homeopaths in South Africa is regulated in South African law. In order to qualify and practice homeopathy in South Africa one has to complete a Master’s degree i.e. a minimum of 5 years full time academic study followed by a Master’s dissertation at Durban University of Technology (DUT) or the University of Johannesburg (UJ). The Master’s degree in homeopathy includes 4 years of basic medical training and most of the subjects in standard medical degrees followed by intensive training in the practice of homeopathy. It is because of this that homeopaths are able to make a medical diagnosis, request blood tests, x-rays etc. and why they have the title of doctor.

In terms of South African law, Registered homeopaths are legally bestowed the title of ‘Doctor/Dr’ as is the case for general medical practitioners due to their medical training and expertise and the degree they have obtained.

Homeopaths are trained medically and are taught to recognise situations where additional specialised medical care is warranted, in such situations homeopaths freely refer patients to medical specialists.  Dr Naude regularly interacts with other medical professionals of other medical disciplines and refers his patients where necessary for additional specialised assessment or care accordingly.