WHAT IS THE NHA'S MISSION STATEMENT?

To widen the window of opportunity to influence the development of natural healing legislation in South Africa to recognise the spiritual elements of International/African Traditional, Indigenous, Spiritual, Energy and Natural Healing Methods.

To monitor and keep members informed of latest developments regarding the accreditation process.

By fighting petitions for Government Recognition, to ultimately assist our members to provide a more cost effective and efficient healthcare service for all South Africans.

WHY REGISTER?

Because practising unregistered is unlawful.

In terms of the Health Professions Act, 1974 (Act 56 of 1974 as recently amended), only a person who is registered as a practitioner (with one of the statutory health councils) or as a medical intern (with the Health Professions Council) may:
Perform physical or mental examinations of persons;
Offer diagnosis, treatment or prevention of physical or mental defects, illnesses or deficiencies in man;
Give advice in regard to such defects, illnesses or deficiencies; or
Prescribe or provide medicine in connection with such defects, illnesses or deficiencies.

Practitioners who perform any of the above must be registered with the following councils:

1. S.A. Nursing Council, for Nurses
2. Pharmacy Council, for Pharmacists
3. Allied Health Profession Council
4. Health Professions Council – For Doctors, Dentists etc.
5. Dental Technicians Council

And those not falling under any of these councils should register with HHA as we are petitioning together with other associations for accreditation with the Services Seta.

WHAT ABOUT MEDICAL AIDS?

After accreditation we will appraoch medical Aids for recognition.

WHY THEN NHA TRADITIONAL HEALER PRACTICE NUMBERS?

Until the accreditation comes into being all traditional and natural healing practitioners must be registered with an existing Natural Healers Association. Having an Interim Practice Number is proof of membership and some of the Private Medical Aids do pay for our services. Even if the medical aid does not pay, it is important that our members must still submit Invoices to create awareness and a demand for our services. Our members also need to familiarise themselves with correct administrative procedures.

HOW ARE OUR SUBSCRIPTION FEES UTILISED?

As with any organisation, the NHA has running costs. Financial Statements for the year ending February 2003 are available to our members on request.

BUT WHY CAN'T PEOPLE WORK FOR NOTHING?

Because we are group of dedicated professional running an association and looking after the interstes of many members which requires a high percentage of our comittees valuable time.

DOES THE NHA KEEP BOOKS OF ACCOUNT?

Yes, every cent received is accounted for and books of account are written up by External Accounting Firms annually. Financial Statements are published in March/April yearly in time for our A.G.M.

WHAT DO I GET FOR MY CONTRIBUTION?

People working for you, actively petitioning for your rights at Government Level.

We hold talks every 2 months where memebers meet, socialize and network. We expose our members to different modalities and courses.

WHY THE NAME CHANGES?

In the porcess of incorporation the name had to change several times. To ensure there are no further name changes we are now officially registered in the name of NHA and have our fund raising number. This number will appear on all our certificates to protect the interests of our members.

We have to thank Katherin Lee and Chris Rall for all their hard work to bringing the NHA to the point of incorporation in its own right.

WHO ARE THE ALLIED HEALTH PROFESSIONS COUNCIL?

The Allied Health Professions Council notified us that their Council has legal jurisdiction in terms of their Act over all education and training, registration and continuing professional development with respect to the following professions:

• Ayurveda.
• Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture.
• Chiropractic.
• Homeopathy.
• Naturopathy.
• Osteopathy.
• Phytotherapy (Western Medical Herbalism, as distinct from African Herbalism).
• Aromatherapy, when not practised as beauty therapy.
• Massage Therapy, when not practised as beauty therapy.
• Reflexology, when not practised as part of beauty therapy.

No person may legally practice or advertise any of the above-mentioned modalities without being properly trained and registered by the Allied Health Professions Council. Their telephone number is (012) 329 4001 should you have any queries in this regard.