Pope John Paul II has conferred on a Ghanaian Naturopathic Physician, Dr Ba-Lagi Gregory Lugo-Zuri, the honorary certificate of "Special Apostolic Blessing and Recognition" for his contribution to medical care internationally.

"I congratulate you on your significant achievements that are clearly worthy of the highest recognition possible," the Pope stated in a citation accompanying the certificate delivered to Dr Lugo-Zuri in Accra by a Special Envoy on Sunday.

The Pope urged Dr Lugo-Zuri to continue "the laborious work" of the profession with dedication, zeal and commitment as well as extending a compassionate hand to the poor.

In an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), Dr Lugo-Zuri said he was dedicating the award to millions of suffering and dying people without medical care.

Dr Lugo-Zuri who is the Medical Director of the Natural Healing Centre in Accra called for an urgent demystification of scientific medicine and the recognition of other forms of medical treatment to reduce the burden on hospitals.

He noted that society has over-concentrated on the potency of scientific medicine resulting in congestion at the hospitals and total breakdown of their facilities. Dr Lugo-Zuri uses homoeopathy, naturopathy and herbal medicine in treatment of diseases.

Other awards won by Dr Lugo-Zuri include Distinguished Leader Award for Pioneering Accomplishment in Cancer Cure (research), and International Diploma of Honour for Outstanding Accomplishment in Cancer Cure (Clinical).