Our under-funded, over used NHS is under tremendous pressure to save every penny, no wonder homeopathic remedies and easily available, reasonably priced over-the-counter medicines like pain-killers and vitamin pills have become latest target of NHS cost-cutting exercise, having launch consultation papers to stop GPs prescribing them. This was main topic of discussion at our last PPG meeting.
NHS rightly feels that lifesaving drugs for cancer and other treatments, operations should take priority over some may call “placebo” homeopathic remedies that use tiniest amount of natural herbs and minerals, normally in the ratio of one drop to a million that would not register in any test trials.
Many feel that homeopathy is akin to “Faith Healing” and be treated as such, although homeopathy enjoys “Royal Patronage” especially from Prince Charles who is devoted believer in alternate medicines.
This exercise, along with previous cost-cutting measures will save NHS £190 million which can be put to better use. But this is drop in the ocean compared to overall NHS budget of £122 billion for England alone, £2200 per person which is much lower than EU average.
If our habituated politicians are really concerned about our ailing NHS, crumbling infrastructure that include poor social housing, railways and roads, then avoid sticking plasters and take bold actions, like raising income tax at upper end, cutting defence budget and drastic reduction in overseas aid. We have ignored our own people far too long.
Kumudini Valambia By email
