Homeopathy could SAVE healthcare by drastically lowering costs for safer treatments without the negative side effects
D octors are starting to find out that homeopathy can improve patient outcomes. Dr. Helen Beaumont, from the Faculty of Homeopathy, points out that homeopathy provides more affordable treatments tailored to the individual patient. She claims that by adopting homeopathic practices and training, the entire NHS could be saved from financial ruin. Doctors trained in homeopathy are often vilified as “quacks,” but a growing body of evidence suggests that homeopathy is more than just a placebo. As the NHS faces steep financial challenges, health leaders are looking for ways to save money and improve care.
Homeopathy:
More than just a placebo
Many health professionals have a poor view of homeopathy because of a 2010 report by the House of Commons Science and Technology Committee. Even though only four of the 15 members voted, and the government ultimately rejected the report, it became the standard by which health professionals viewed homeopathy. The published report plainly stated that homeopathic remedies are no better than placebos. Since then, homeopathy has faced sharp criticism, even at a time when the prescription drug model is in full suicide mode.
Despite the attacks on homeopathy, the profession is growing in a positive way. There are now about 800 members of the Faculty of Homeopathy. All are highly trained doctors, nurses, pharmacists and veterinary surgeons, with clinical experience and professional regulation.
It is estimated that over 200 million people worldwide access homeopathy as an important part of their healthcare. Homeopathic medicine can be used for acute or chronic conditions, including but not limited to: persistent coughs, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic fatigue, eczema, depression, menopause, Crohn’s disease, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, hay fever and asthma. Homeopaths use various ointments, sprays, creams, liquids and tablets as remedies.
To the surprise of some, homeopathy has better patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) than conventional medicine. In the NHS, homeopathy is becoming more readily available. General practitioners can now refer patients for homeopathic treatment. There are hospitals in Glasgow and London dedicated to integrated care, and that includes homeopathy.
The UK’s Daily Mail reports:
“Currently the NHS spends around £4-million a year on homeopathy, a tiny fraction of the overall healthcare budget of £137.9-billion. Those who want to end all funding for NHS homeopathy to save money, conveniently forget that the patients who would be denied the therapy still need to be treated. This would inevitably lead to them receiving more costly interventions which they may not find as beneficial as homeopathy.”
