Namibia has published new Regulations Relating to Podiatrists, 2026 (Government Notice 61 of 2026), setting out who can register as a podiatrist and what they may do. The regulations were made under the country’s Health Professions Act, 2024, on the recommendation of the Health Professions Council of Namibia after consultation with its Allied Health Professions Board.
The new rules repeal the chiropodist registration rules dating from 1976, along with the related regulations on additional qualifications, bringing foot care regulation into line with modern podiatry practice.
Qualifications
- Registration requires a Bachelor of Health Science degree in Podiatry, or an equivalent qualification, after at least four years of full-time study.
- The curriculum must cover subjects including anatomy and physiology, podiatric orthotics, applied pharmacology and podiatric surgery.
- A Master’s degree and PhD in podiatry are recognised as registrable additional qualifications.
- The Council may require proof of English language proficiency, and documents must be in English or carry a sworn translation.
Scope of practice
Under the regulations, podiatrists may assess, diagnose, treat and manage conditions of the foot and ankle; promote foot health and prevent and rehabilitate foot problems; use corrective devices; recommend footwear for specific conditions; and perform minor surgery, such as ingrown toenail removal, where general anaesthesia is not needed. Podiatrists are also expected to recognise signs of general medical conditions and refer patients to doctors where needed.
Why it matters
Namibia, like many African countries, has a small podiatry workforce, and many practitioners train abroad, often in South Africa. A clear legal framework tells foreign-trained podiatrists what is expected of them, protects patients and gives the profession a defined place in the health system, including in the management of diabetic foot disease.
IMEA POD Perspective
Modern regulation is one of the foundations of a podiatry profession, and Namibia’s move from 1970s chiropody rules to a degree-based scope of practice is a model other countries in the region could follow. Clear scope, including minor surgery, orthotics and footwear, lets podiatrists work to the top of their training in diabetic foot prevention. For podiatrists considering a move to Namibia, the four-year degree requirement and Council registration process are the key points to check. IMEA POD will track podiatry regulation across all 54 African countries in our Country Profiles section.