THE CRUCIAL LINK: REPORTS FROM THE NATIONAL VICE–PRESIDENTS

The National Vice Presidents/Representatives of Austria, Cuba, Georgia, Hungary, Latvia, Mexico, Netherlands, Nigeria, Spain, Switzerland, Ukraine and the United States are to be congratulated for responding to our request for report submission. Each National Vice President is requested to submit a small summary for the Newsletter, along with his/her Annual Report. Where such has been received, it has been used. When a summary has not been received, the Editor has had to summarize the report.

Argentina
No report received.

Australia
No report received.

Austria
Dr. Katrin Strauch, NVP

In Austria there are two homeopathic associations offering a training program consisting of 350 hours (200 hours theoretical, 150 hours practical training). An official diploma is awarded after fulfilling this education; it is recognized by the medical chamber of Austria as diploma of complementary medicine in homeopathy. Apart from the basic training, advanced training and supervision is offered. There are lectures at all Austrian universities on a voluntary level.

Research is done by the Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Homeopathy in Graz with international contacts. There are no homeopathic hospitals in Austria but homeopathic treatment is offered in seven hospitals.

Veterinary homeopathy is recognized on an official level, receiving the title of specialist in homeopathy. There is a veterinarian association which is in close contact with biological farmers.

Belgium
No report received.

Brazil
No report received.

Costa Rica
No report received.

Cuba
Dr. Mayra Riverón Garrote, NVP

Since 1997, Cuban homeopaths are responsible to a Vice Ministry of the Ministry of Health known as Direccion Nacional de Medicina Natural y Tradicional, where an Advisor Group of Homeopathy (Grupo Asesor de Homeopatia), plan and regulate the national programs on this aspect. From the scientific point of view, homeopathy has a section at the Sociedad Naturista y Bioenergetica which is recognized by the Consejo Nacional de Sociedades Cientificas. The development of homeopathy in Cuba is due to the achievements of Cuban homeopaths with their research projects, their response to health problems, their closer perspective towards the patients and an affordable therapeutic method. There have been among other positive results in the way homeopathy was introduced to patients and the health system itself.

The training in homeopathy was taught formerly by Brazilian and Mexican professors. Nowadays an academic program that is being revisited and enriched on a yearly basis is covered by Cuban professors. Over 882 homeopaths have been graduated already, out of which 459 are MD's, 136 are dentists, 156 are pharmacists and 131 are veterinarians.

The practice of Homeopathy is taking place all along the island basically at the first level of attention. Furthermore almost 40 beds in general hospitals (pediatric and adult attention) are involved with the use of homeopathic remedies, and this treatment has also been used in emergency rooms, intensive care units, surgical wards, and other departments. Moreover at the third level of attention institutes like Instituto de Oncologia y Radiobiologia (The Institute of Oncology and Radiobiology), Instituto de Gastroenterologia (The Institute of Gastroenterology), Instituto de Hematologia (The Institute of Hematology), and the Instituto de Nefrologia (The Institute of Nephrology) develop basic research projects and clinical trials. Last year statistics registered 131, 852 consultations nationwide. On 1999, the III Congreso Cubano de Homeopatia, took place in Ciudad de la Habana, with the presence of 58 foreign, and 200 Cuban delegates. More than 200 scientific reports were presented among posters, oral presentations (see relatory published by Dr. Steven Kayne at the British Journal of Homeopathy). The next meeting will be the 2002.

After graduation, foreign professors contribute to our continuous education program such as coming every year from "La Escuela de Homeopatia de Mejico" (The Mexican School of Homeopathy". In January we received Dr. Alicia Esquivel who cleared doubts on the clinical practice to an audience of 25 Cuban homeopaths. In February for the first time we organized the Homeopath Without Borders (HWB) Seminar, thanks to the contributions of Mrs. Nancy Kelly President of the US section of HWB and professors Richard Moskowitz, John D. Millar, Kim Sigorski and Rogelio Hernandez Arguelles. Here, 30 participants received updated information, bibliography (Materia Medica) and future plans for seminars and scientific collaborations. Last April we had a fruitful exchange with Brazilian professors with capacity for 80 homeopaths where experiences in the daily practice of Homeopathy were exchanged. European professors Elio Rossi and Manuel Mateu organized a July seminar-workshop about clinical practice for an audience of 45 local homeopaths. Recently an electronic national network is being created as a forum where study groups exchange their experiences, knowledge and data. Presently having 30 members, it is open to international contributions. The address is

Now, with a growing population of homeopaths, our basic limitations are the following: a) Bibliographic material (updated repertories, Materia Medica), b) Remedies, no local laboratories to produce them, c)Insufficiently equipped pharmacies with dynamizers, autoclave, water distillation devices, d) Computers and homeopathic software. Our future goals for next year are to continue improving the level of understanding and knowledge of Homeopathy with new research projects, the opening of referral centers where the number of beds can increase in each of the 14 provinces to stimulate a balanced development in the whole country. To make this possible the need of support in terms of bibliography, remedies and technology for diagnosis and remedy processing will be channeled by supportive NGO's (non governmental organizations), institutions, or individuals that are more than welcome to participate.

Czech Republic
No report received.

Estonia
No report received.

France
No report received.

Georgia
Dr. Nikoloz Gujabidze, NVP

This year is not very different and successful than others, but some steps have been completed by our society. After attending the Budapest Liga Congress and summer holidays we have had one meeting where we share the Congress materials between the members of LMHI. We have two new candidates in LMHI.

The Georgian Homeopathic Development Fund will be established at the end of September.

This Fund will try to collect all financial support from all over the world and after use in organization of free homeopathic consultation and treatment for poorest population and refugees, translating and editing homeopathic literature in Georgian, especially the Organon and other classics of homeopathy. We have hope in this area and will do all the best for homeopathy. For our side, we are ready to share our investigation in Homeopathy and Traditional medicine, in which the President of Georgian Liga of Traditional Medicine, Dr. Tornike Alashvil, did a lot of research work in this time.

The Homeopathic legislation is not finished yet. Our government’s agreement with the world and passive position against homeopathy is clearly marked.

Vice President and four members of LMHI could not attend the Washington Conference in June 2000, because the American Consul in Tbilisi denied the American visa.

The International Academy of Classical Homeopathy was completed by NVP LMHI.

He was invited by the George Vithoulkas and finished whole course of Academy free of charge. And all other expenses we have had got from Hahnemann Institute: Director Reinhard Rose. By his great support the first homeopathic library was established in last year and successfully functioning in Georgia.

At 4 of November, we will have a Liga meeting to continue our functioning as the one part of LMHI in the east.

Germany
No report received.

Ghana
No news.

Greece
No report received.

Hungary
Dr. Katalin Kurti, NVP

See report of 55th LMHI Congress in Budapest elsewhere in this issue.

India
No report received.

Israel
No report received.

Italy
No report received.

Latvia
Dr. Marina Afanasieva, NVP

The calendar of homeopathic life in Latvia in 2000 is rich in events. In April the subsidiary of the homeopathic pharmacy was opened in Riga.

On the13th-17th of May three Latvian doctors, members of the Latvian Homeopathic Association, took part in the work of 55th Congress of LMHI in Budapest.

It was the initiative of the Council of LMHI to start collecting the material on history homeopathy in Latvia. And it brought real discoveries. Starting with the fact of opening the oldest homeopathic pharmacy in Riga in 1833 we found the forgotten names of doctors and the events which witnessed the rapid development of homeopathy in our country soon after it appeared in its motherland Germany. The essay on the history of homeopathy in Latvia on the background of historical and political cataclysms which accompanied it will soon be published.

At the end of May the seminar of homeopathic doctors from Belgium, Dr.Linn Nguen and Dr. Allen Sartenaer, took place.

At the end of June, in July and August three seminars of Popov's homeopathic school (Ukraine) were held. Two more seminars are planned by the end of the year.

In August the President of LHA spoke on TV on the subject of homeopathy.

In September the Baltic Center of Classical Homeopathy was opened and the interview of George Vithoulkas on perspectives of homeopathic education was published.

In October the training of seven Latvian doctors in the International Academy of Classical Homeopathy will be completed.

In December the seminar with French homeopathic pediatricians, Didier Grandgeorge and Patricia Leroux, will be arranged. It is planned to involve the members of the Latvian Pediatrician Association into work of the seminar. All those who are interested in it are kindly welcome. The information is available by Email:

We have received several proposals for homeopathic training of medical doctors from our foreign colleagues. And we are very grateful for them. We are looking forward to fruitful cooperation in the future.

Malaysia
No report received.

Mexico
Dr. Rene Torres Garcia, NVP

Mexico is a country with one solid structure in homeopathy, which is considered within its national culture as the other serious way of medicine, through which the patient is conditioned to look for assistance. The tradition of 100 years of official recognition as real medicine and the professional status of the practitioners gives homeopathy this important condition.

The deeper knowledge and training, in chronic diseases, in accordance with the Ortega school, increased interest for many homeopathic physicians in the world, to understand this Mexican homeopathic experience.

Netherlands
Dr. Frans Kusse, NVP

In the Netherlands there is one organization for homeopathic medical doctors, the VHAN (Vereniging van Homeopathische Artsen in Nederland). The VHAN counts more than 400 members of which more than 300 are consultants ('specialists'), the others are general practitioner and some of them are medical specialist. The SHO (Stichting Homeopathische Opleidingen) is the institution for homeopathic teaching to medical doctors and is closely related to the VHAN. There is a beginner’s course for general practitioners, veterinarians and midwives and a basic course for medical doctors and veterinarians (3 years part-time). For members of the VHAN there is a continuous schooling program (obligatory) in homeopathy and in general medicine.

Reimbursement takes place by most of the insurance-companies if the patient is insured for that (a small amount of money above the basic insurance).
Plans for the near future:
We strive for the status of specialist amongst others by improving our education; we work on a one-year full-time education (theory and practice) for medical doctors in homeopathic center.

Homeopathy-day in 2002
We are planning a 'Homeopathy-day' in May 2002, in cooperation with the patients/consumers-organization and the homeopathic industry. One of the main goals of this day is to raise funds for scientific research in homeopathy, in a Homeopathy Fund. Other goals are to make known to the public the possibilities of homeopathy, e.g. by spreading a magazine called 'Homeopathy', by lectures and all kinds of manifestations.

Nigeria
Dr. Chidozie Okekeoguegbe (for Dr. Joseph Obiora)

Presently there is a growing official and public support and recognition for Traditional Medicine Practitioners or Herbalists in Nigeria.

Ninety percent of the Herbalists are illiterates who acquired the traditional medical arts by inheritance from their parents and ancestors.

Many of the illiterate Herbalists call themselves Homeopaths and advertise themselves as such in the press and Radio. It is difficult for members of the public to differentiate a qualified University Homeopathic Physician from a Traditional Herbalist.

LMHI resolution on Homeopathy states that homeopathy is unique and must be distinguished from Herbal Medicine.

Pakistan
No report received.

Romania
No report received.

Russia
No report received.

Saudi Arabia
No report received.

Slovak Republic
No report received.

Slovenia
No report received.

South Africa
No report received.

Spain
Dr. Manel Mateu, Assistant NVP

In Spain, administration of homeopathy is not considered to be a medical act. Such recognition would be the first step towards official recognition. Recently, however, the official medical societies in almost all regions have been founding homeopathy departments.

On the educational front there are two courses awarding Masters degrees available: one in Seville and the other in Bilbao, and one post-graduate university course available in Barcelona.

This year the main two Spanish homeopathic institutions, the Academia Medica Homeopathica de Barcelona and the Sociedad Homeopatica Matritense, have celebrated their centenaries with events to honor their founders. During recent months, the Hospital Homeopatico Madrileno has been undergoing reconstruction work. The original building has been classified as national artistic heritage and will be used for homeopathic purposes.

Since May 2000, all members of the Spanish Association of Homeopathy belonging to the Federacion Espanola de Medicos Homeopatas became league members, thus increasing the membership by 202 and bringing the total to 443 members.

Sri Lanka
No report received.

Sweden
No report received.

Switzerland
Dr. Clemens F. Dietrich, NVP

Since July 1999, homeopathic doctors holding the national certificate for classical homeopathy are reimbursed for anamnesis and repertorization on time-based scale by federal basic health insurance. Patients treated by NMQP’s need an additional insurance for this. Reality showed no clear benefits for homeopathic doctors, since the new tariffs are lower than they have been before and limitations for duration of both anamnesis (two hours per 3 months) and repertorization (one hour per 3 months).

In Sept. 98 the "Aerztekammerì of the FMH ( board of the national medical association) adopted the Certificate of Capacity in Classical Homeopathy. So Homeopathy is acknowledged as a subspecialty. The minimal requirements are 5 years of postgraduate medical training in the FMH officially recognized clinical structures plus homeopathic training (see below). The SVHA is responsible for issuing all Certificates of Capacity in Classical Homeopathy in Switzerland. It is not necessary to be member of the SVHA to obtain the Certificate. Every Certificate has to be revalidated every two years by the education committee of the SVHA (CCME). Over 200 members of the SVHA already obtained this Certificate.

Continuing Medical Education (CCME), general and homeopathic in certain percentage, for the holders of the diploma SVHA (according the Program of Basic Teaching Standards) is established. 50 hours of Homeopathy and 30 hours of conventional medicine are requested every year. Evaluation by specially designed forms.

Homeopathic educational requirements for the Certificate of Capacity in classical Homeopathy:

1. 2 years basic education in classical Homeopathy (150 hours of certified lectures)
2. 2 years advanced homeopathic training (100 hours of certified lectures) (after A.)
3. 2 years practical experience in Homeopathy after basic education (after A.)
4. 150 hours of case- or patient centered homeopathic training (including supervision, documentation of own cases) (after A.)
5. Documentation of 3 written analyses of own cases with observation-time of more than one year.
6. Examination SVHA passed

Since 1995 the University of Bern established within the Medical Faculty a chair for Homeopathy under the name of "KIKOM, Kollegiale Instanz fur Komplementur medizin"
Address: Dr. Andre Thurneysen, Imhoof-Pavillon, Inselspital, 3010 Bern, Tel. , Fax

1997 Dr. Dario Spinedi opened a homeopathic clinic in the Clinica Santa Croce, 6644 Orselina, Tel. 091/735 43 72, Fax 091/735 43 74. The clinic consists of 30 beds, 4 homeopathic doctors can treat severe diseases in hospitalized patients by Homeopathy.

In May 2000 the first Congress of the Union for Complementary Medicine, the national Organization for complementary medicine, was held in Bern with collaboration of the SVHA.
Union schweizerischer komplementur medizinischer ƒrztegesellschaften, Schachenstrasse 21, Ch-4702 Oensingen, Tel ++41/62-356 01 33,
Fax ++41/62-396 24 10 www.unioncomed.ch

Ukraine
Prof. Natalija E. Kostinskaya, NVP

For the second time a delegation of Ukrainian homeopaths participated in the LMHI Congress. 28 homeopaths from Ukraine took part in the 55th LMHI Congress. International cooperation between Ukrainian homeopaths and homeopathic doctors from other countries has been developed. By invitation of a charitable fund Ukrainian homeopaths visited clinics in several German towns. In their turn German and Swiss doctors conduct seminars in Odessa and Kiev. The first issue of Kiev Homeopathic Almanac (August, 2000) included the best homeopathic publications from all over the world.

For the last 2 years Ukrainian doctors, who are members of LMHI, published their books, such as Family Homeopathy, Homeopathy in Gastroenterology (N. Kostinskaya) etc. Two homeopathic textbooks for students of medical institutes and for students of pharmaceutical institutes are in the offing.

The 5th Hahnemann’s Readings took place in Kiev on April 8-9, 2000. More than 140 doctors from 14 Ukrainian regions and guests from other countries such as Russia, Byelorussia were present.

Plans for the near future:

We work on improvement of registration regulations for homeopathic products in Ukraine. Appropriate documentation for introduction of the specialty medical doctor-homeopath is prepared. Formation of regional homeopathic societies is continued.

In 2001 the 6th Hahnemann’s Readings (organizers: Ukrainian Ministry of Health, Homeopathic Faculty of the Institute Protos), homeopathic conferences in Odessa, Yalta are to be held. Ukrainian homeopaths plan to participate in the 56th LMHI in Romania.

United Kingdom
No report received

United States of America
Dr. Richard Hiltner, NVP

Homeopathy 2000: Rededication and Celebration by Sandra M. Chase, M.D., D.Ht., Past President of American Institute of Homeopathy

Three years of planning and organization by the Board of the American Institute of Homeopathy culminated in the centennial celebration, Homeopathy 2000: Rededication and Celebration, held at the Wyndham Washington Hotel, 1400 M Street, NW, Washington, DC, 21 June - 24 June 2000. Marking the centenary of the Hahnemann Monument in our Nation’s Capital, the meeting was a combination of a rededicatory ceremony and a three day content-packed homeopathic scientific conference, highlighted by triple concurrent sessions, two adjunctive association meetings and two day-long seminars.

At the Opening Ceremony, 1:30 PM 21 June, in the Wyndham Hotel, the Hahnemann Monument’s Architecture and Sculpture was illustrated by outgoing AIH President Sandra M. Chase, MD, DHt, and Hahnemann, the Man and His Impact was discussed by distinguished homeopath and author Richard Moskowitz, MD, DHt. Incoming AIH President Jennifer Jacobs, MD, MPH, serving as Moderator, presented two awards. The AIH James Tyler Kent Award, for service to the homeopathic community, was presented to AIH Past President Jacquelyn J. Wilson, MD, DHt, and the AIH C.F.Samuel Hahnemann Award, for homeopathic education, was presented to internationally renowned homeopath George Vithoulkas.

Albeit an exciting beginning, the best was yet to come. Words, and, yes, even photographs, fail to capture totally the magnificence of the historic, momentous occasion when, at 3:00 PM, the beautiful, prize-winning Hahnemann Monument, at Scott Circle, was ceremoniously rededicated on the very date of its hundredth anniversary. Gleaming in the afternoon sun, as a result of the assiduous attentions of the National Park Service in preparation for the ceremony, the monument’s anterior platform was bedecked on the left with the “President’s Own” Marine Brass Quintet, resplendent in their scarlet uniforms, and, on the right with the Official Representatives of the New York, California, Illinois, Ohio, Southern, and Pennsylvania Homeopathic Medical Societies who had supported the event. The front row of the audience was devoted to the Official Representatives of the Participating Homeopathic Organizations, the Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy, the American Association of Homeopathic Pharmacists, the American Homeopathic Pharmaceutical Association, the Homeopathic Academy of Naturopathic Physicians, the Homeopathic Nurses Association, the Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia Convention of the United States, the Homeopathic Research Network, the National Center for Homeopathy, the North American Society of Homeopaths, the Council for Homeopathic Certification, and the Council on Homeopathic Education.

Quoting Dr. J.B. Gregg Custis of Washington, DC, the initial speaker at the original dedication ceremony, 21 June 1900, Outgoing AIH President Dr. Chase welcomed the enthusiastic crowd and then introduced the Armed Forces Color Guard, following which all in attendance joined in the singing of the National Anthem. On the withdrawing on the colors, AIH Life Member Henry N. Williams, MD, DHt, performed the Invocation, followed by the Introduction of the State and Regional Homeopathic Society Official Representatives and those of the Participating Homeopathic Organizations, as well as other dignitaries.

The United States Armed Forces Color Guard

Prior to the playing of America, which was played at the original ceremony, Brief Remarks were offered by Dr. Jacques Imberechts, of Brussels, Belgium, President of the Liga Medicorum Homeopathica Internationalis. David G. Wember, MD, DHt, President of the Pennsylvania Homeopathic Medical Society, and Beatrice Newkirk, great-grand daughter of Augusta Tafel, granddaughter of a Pittsburgh Homeopathic Pharmacist, and a fourth generation Swedenborgian, symbolically placed two beautiful floral arrangements on the monument.

LMHI President Dr. Jacques Imberechts speaks to those gathered for the rededication ceremony.

AIH Past President Nicholas Nossaman, MD, DHt, set the stage for the nineteenth century ambiance and read the Ode to Hahnemann written for and read by Dr. William Tod Helmuth at the Dedication Ceremony in 1900. Thereafter, Incoming AIH President Jennifer Jacobs, MD, MPH, made cogent and well- received remarks re the current state of medicine in the USA.

The Marine Brass Quintet struck up America the Beautiful, following which, Dr. Chase extended the invitation to the President’s Champagne Reception at the Wyndham Hotel.

LMHI President of Honor Dr. Diwan Harish Chand and NVP, LMHI, India, Dr. Diwan Vijay Chand
drape the officially rededicate the statute with a golden garland.

It is of note that we had participants from Argentina, Belgium, India, Mexico, and South Africa.

Uruguay
No report received