NHMRC seeks comment
April 11, 2014
The National Health and
Medical Research Council
(NHMRC) has released a resource
paper for clinicians concerning
complementary medicines
(CM) and is seeking input on
homeopathy evidence.
‘Talking with your Patients about
Complementary Medicine – A
Resource for Clinicians’ described
ways to discuss evidence,
effectiveness and the potential risks
of CM use, NHMRC said.
The Australian Self Medication
Industry (ASMI) said it welcomed
the CM resource.
Regulatory and scientific affairs
director Steve Scarff said it was
a valuable way to better equip
patients to make informed
decisions about their health care.
“It is very important for clinicians
to know about their patients’ use
of CM (as well as other medicines)
and that they feel confident
discussing them with their
patients.”
In recognition of the money
consumers invest in CM, totalling
$3.55b per annum, according to a
recent industry report, the Council
has released a draft paper on
evidence for homeopathy for public
consultation.
The draft paper is a summary
of rigorous assessment of
available research examining the
effectiveness of homeopathy for
treating 68 health conditions.
This assessment found that
there was no reliable evidence
that homeopathy was effective
for treating health conditions, the
Council said.
NHMRC ceo Professor Warwick
Anderson said public consultation
on the draft was important.
“NHMRC is acutely aware
of strongly held views on the
effectiveness of homeopathy, which
is why this Draft Information Paper
is available for public comment
until 26 May 2014.”
CLICK HERE for how to make a
submission.
The Consumer Health Council
(CHC) raised concerns with the
consultation draft and said it would
be making a “robust” response to
the statement regarding reliable
evidence for homeopathy’s
effectiveness.
CHC ceo Carl Gibson said
homeopathy encouraged looking at
the whole picture, “the person and
not just the illness.”
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