GPs shun homeopathy as prescriptions halve - Comments

The last sentence in this article is wrong. The National Rules Scheme requires no evidence at all of efficacy. This is because the evidence doesn't exist, and GPs who prescribe homeopathy are lying to their patients.

I have to turn away most patients asking for homeopathic treatment in my NHS practice as I just do not have the additional time required. Most prescriptions I issue are dispensed OTC by the pharmacist as they are cheaper than the prescription charge. This will apply to my likeminded collegues' prescriptions as well. The New Contract, if you happen to work in a busy practice, has all but killed off homeopathy (as far as I and my patients are concerned). The UK could save the money it throws after people like Edzard Ernst. What are his qualifications anyway?

PCT funding cuts are a contributing factor, but it does not mean that patients are no longer interested receiving homeopathy on the NHS. Prescriptions cost £7.10 so it is possible that GPs are recommending patients to purchase remedies direct from pharmacies or manufacturers as this would be cheaper.

Why does anyone get upset about negative comments from patients and politicians, when bona fide colleagues like the splendid Les Rose write that 'GPs who prescribe homeopathy are lying to their patients'. (25 july 2008) Get a life, Les, there is a fascinating subject out there, waiting to be explored. It might be more fun than maligning your colleagues.

It is interesting that Edzard Ernst should say 'the huge drop in prescribing reflected a shift in attitude within the medical profession', whilst at the same time feeling it necessary, along with some of his colleagues, to write to PCTs disuading then from referring to homeopathic hospitals. If anyone should require the evidence base for homeopathic efficacy I would be happy to furnish it.

Peter Walton writes: "If anyone should require the evidence base for homeopathic efficacy I would be happy to furnish it."

Please go ahead. We're all waiting (and we've been waiting for a very long time already ...).

Please don't delay too long, so you'll get James Randi's $1,000,000 in the process.

It's been more than 3 weeks since Peter Walton wrote: "If anyone should require the evidence base for homeopathic efficacy I would be happy to furnish it." We're still patiently waiting ...

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