Dr Ruth Rabinowitz MP, IFP Parliamentary Spokesperson on Health, has criticised disorganisation in the Alternative Health Professions Council.

'Dr Rabinowitz said:

"The retrospective extension of the life of the Interim Health Professions Council, which legally expired on 12 February 1999 is indicative of serious disorganisation in the Interim Council."

"Homeopathy has rapidly improved educational standards in its ranks and could serve as a valuable substitute for expensive conventional drugs."

"Ayurveda and Chinese medicine could do likewise. However, the main concern of the Council has been to incorporate a large number of holistic complementary therapies e.g. massage and reflexology onto the Health Professions Council."

"The procedures recommended for registration of vitamins, homeopathic, Ayurvedic and Chinese medicines is brought into serious by the ultra vires nature of the Council and the control of the process by representatives of industry."

"The lack of consistency in educational standards and ethical responsibility for practitioners registered on the Council and the non-functioning Disciplinary Committee exposes the public to bogus or poorly trained practitioners."

"The confusion relating to the South African Medicine and Medical Devices Authority (SAMMDRA) will be carried over into the Alternative Health professions if transparency and accountability are not enforced."

"An ad hoc committee should be established to investigate the current functioning of the Interim Council and the reasons why the SAAMDRA Bill (regulating medicine registration was introduced to Parliament, although its inadequacies had been identified and communicated to the Minister and the Director-General."

For Further Information: Dr Ruth Rabinowitz MP 082 597 3698