Interview conducted by Fabienne Roos, from Homeopathy Switzerland.
On the occasion of the 150th anniversary of Hahnemannia, the umbrella organization of German homeopathic associations, we take the opportunity to speak to the President of Hahnemannia. Mario Hopp, president of Hahnemannia, is a dedicated and motivated discussion partner willing to talk about the past, present and future of homeopathy in Germany.
NEWS: We would like to get to know a bit more about “Hahnemannia” as an umbrella organization of the homeopathic lay associations: What are the three most important things that should be known about this association?
Mario Hopp: We have an association with a 150-year history. We are very close to the citizens and patients and represent their voices for homeopathy. The association consists of 38 member clubs with nearly 4,000 members.
NEWS: “Hahnemannia” is celebrating its 150th birthday this year: What was the key to founding such an umbrella organization 150 years ago? What tasks and goals did the association formulate at that time and to what extent did these change over time?
Mario Hopp: At the time, homeopathy offered first aid to patients living many kilometres away from a doctor’s office. Conscious treatment of one’s own health was of great importance, and community life was valued during the industrialization period.
Today, our umbrella organization supports newly founded local clubs in their association work and represents the interests of the clubs on a political and economic level.
NEWS: According to your website, the task of your association is to promote the recognition of homeopathy as an equal form of medicine. What is the current trend regarding the recognition of homeopathy in Germany? How and where can Hahnemannia intervene in this regard?
Mario Hopp: Hahnemannia has been an alliance partner of “Mehr Demokratie” since autumn 2017. This alliance is committed to ensuring that we can directly influence referendums in Germany in future – as in Switzerland – including the health system. One of our achievements is that the current coalition agreement states that a nationwide referendum will be considered. Of course, Switzerland is our big role model here. The goal is to firmly anchor homeopathy in the health system through the voice of the people. Homeopathy has been contested since Hahnemann’s dissemination, and nothing has changed since. We have to take the votes seriously, but we certainly will not be deterred by our goals. Homeopathy is medicine that has been successfully used for over 200 years. “Hahnemannia” is like “Homeopathy Switzerland” Member of the network of European patient associations EFHPA.
NEWS: What do you think about the added value of international cooperation for your association and for homeopathy in general?
Mario Hopp: Networking plays an important role today. The positive voices of homeopathy users can be perfectly utilized and spread through today’s social media age. Ironically, homeopathy is heavily attacked in Germany, although it has its origins here. Through membership in European and worldwide associations, it becomes clear that homeopathy has its followers all over the world.
NEWS: Let’s take a look into the future: Where do you see Hahnemannia and homeopathy in 15 years? Or, if you like, a very daring prognosis: how will the next 150 years go?
Mario Hopp: Obviously, the association will play an even bigger role in the next few years, gaining more supporters and advocating homeopathy even more in Germany. When talking about homeopathy in Germany, Hahnemannia is vital. My view is absolutely positive for the future. For conventional medicine we need further forms of integrative therapy – this clearly includes homeopathy.
NEWS: We thank you for this interview and wish the “Hahnemannia” all the best for the future.
For further information: www.hahnemannia.de