Nyarkotey
Occupational Standards
Naturopathic Practice in Ghana
Can I Practice as an ND in Ghana?
Ghana is the first country in Africa to develop a National Occupational Standard in Naturopathy and Holistic Medicine.
The Nyarkotey University College of Holistic Medicine & Technology (NUCHMT) is the pioneer and leader in Naturopathic education in Ghana. No law bars the practice of Naturopathy and alternative medicine in Ghana.
Yes. You can practice Naturopathy and alternative medicine in Ghana. The practice is based on a Ministerial Directive issued by the Health Minister to the Traditional Medicine Practice Council of the Ministry of Health to regulate the profession until the passage of the Traditional and Alternative Medicine Bill.
Traditional Medicine in Ghana is regulated by the Traditional Medicine Practice Act 575. Naturopaths in Ghana are recognized by the state as primary care physicians, and NUCHM's students are educated in primary care medicine throughout the university's naturopathic medical programme.
Naturopathic Medical Students also write the Professional Qualifying Examination (PQE) allowing for registration with the Traditional Medicine Practice Council of the Ministry of Health, which authorizes Naturopaths to prescribe Natural Medications.
Scope of Practice for NDs in Ghana
The scope of practice of naturopathic physicians varies by jurisdiction. NDs in Ghana have the diagnostic and therapeutic privileges necessary to be the first doctor a patient sees for general health care, for advice on keeping healthy, and for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of acute and chronic conditions.
In Ghana, Naturopaths can:
- Provide services generally described as primary care, including the performance of common preventive screening examinations
- Recognize and appropriately refer urgent and emergent presentations
- Diagnose and treat acute and chronic diseases and conditions using accepted standards and evidence-based, peer-approved approaches including history, clinical examination, imaging, and laboratory investigation
- Refer to and consult with other health professionals and specialists when outside of scope and where recommended by current guidelines and accepted practices
Therapeutic Modalities
Naturopaths in Ghana can legally utilize the following therapeutic modalities (among others):
Botanical Medicine
Many plant substances are powerful medicines. When properly utilized, most botanical medicines can be applied effectively with minimal likelihood of side effects.
Clinical Nutrition
Food is the best medicine and is a cornerstone of naturopathic practice. Many medical conditions can be treated more effectively with foods and nutritional supplements.
Homeopathic Medicine
Based on the principle of "like cures like," homeopathy works on a subtle yet powerful energetic level, gently acting to promote healing on multiple levels.
Mind/Body Medicine
Mental attitudes and emotional states may influence physical illness. Counseling, stress management, and other therapies are used to help patients heal psychologically.