The Natural and Alternative Medicine Association of Trinidad & Tobago (NAMA)
OUR MISSION
Our Mission is to ensure that Natural and Alternative Medicine obtain the recognition and status it deserves, and to ensure its access to our citizens.
OUR VISION
Our Vision is to see Natural and Alternative Medicine playing a vital role within the overall Health Care System, (both private and public), within Trinidad and Tobago.
NAMA was founded by Philip A. Franco (a Medical Herbalist/Naturopathic doctor) and was registered as a Non-Profit Organization in 2010
NAMA was founded with the aim to –
- Bring together persons involved in the Natural and Alternative Medicine industry
- To represent the industry
- To educate the population on the benefits
- To educate government on the benefits
- To advocate for integration into the present Health System
- To protect our access to Natural Health Products and Services
Structure
Board – Presently the board is made up of the legal directors. However, the
functional board is to be made up of Leaders of each Branch within the
Association.
Branches
On commencement of the Association, there shall be the recognition of the following branches:-
- All Natural Health Care Providers
- Naturopaths
- Herbalists
- Nutritionists
- Homeopaths
- Massage Therapists (includes Aromatherapists, Reflexologists and Acupuncturists)
- Psychotherapists, Psychologists & Counselors
- Energy Therapists (includes Rekhi)
- Exercise Therapists (yoga, Tai Chi, Qi Qong)
- Retailers, Wholesalers, Importers, Manufacturers, Growers and Researchers – in / of Natural and Alternative Medicine
- Natural Fertility Practitioners and Midwives
- Associate Members (interested persons and consumers)
- Orthodox Medical Practitioners (Doctors and Nurses)
- (a) Natural and Alternative Medicine Practitioners who do not do not satisfy the necessary requirements so as to obtain Practitioner Member status, but show some training and or experience,
or (b) an interim branch for practitioners until qualifications and or experience can be verified and approved.
The above list of branches may be expanded or altered at any time by a majority vote of the executive as necessary
For a branch to be active it must have at least 3 members
Each branch will elect a leader who will sit on the executive committee. Should a branch fail to elect a leader then the executive can do so.
A member may be a member of more that one branch if they meet the requirements for those branches, however that person may not preside as a leader of more than one branch in so far as his/her appointment to the executive.
Branches numbered 10 through 14 above cannot at any time be further divided or expanded so as to allow for more than one member at any time of any of these allocated branches to be entitled to be a representative on the executive, however these branches may divide or expand so as to do any work which is in the interest of the association.
Branch number 12 above comprising associate members should where possible put as their branch leader and appointee to the executive such person who is a practicing lawyer in Trinidad and Tobago.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can join NAMA?
Anyone can join NAMA
NAMA represents the Natural & Alternative Medicine Industry as a Whole, and so
represents Natural Health Practitioners, Natural Health Product Importers, Wholesalers
and Retailers as well as Consumers, because at the end of the day it is the consumers
that are the ones that benefit from these services and products.
Membership Types
Practitioner Member
Natural and Alternative Health Practitioners would join as “Practitioner Member” and
their credentials and experience would be verified and they can be placed on the
‘Practitioner List” on our database.
Member
Persons otherwise in the field of Natural and Alternative medicine like proprietors of
Health food stores, Importers, Growers and Manufacturers can all join as a regular
“Member” and their businesses can also be listed on the website.
Supporting Member – Consumers
Anyone can join as a supporting member. Thanks for your support and contributions.
How do I join?
Simply fill out the Membership Registration form and submit with payment in person.
What are the benefits of joining NAMA?
Have additional questions?