People in the UK have until tomorrow (February 18) to help safeguard homeopathy and homeopathic remedies. The UK’s Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is canvassing opinions about a measure that would restrict the use of homeopathic remedies and the role of homeopaths.
Right now, homeopathic remedies are freely available and can be purchased from stores and prescribed by homeopaths. This is a situation that has been protected under PLR (product license of right), created in the Medicines Act 1968.
However, homeopathy has been the target of medical ‘bully boys’ for years, and it seems the health regulators are about to cave in. Last July, a House of Commons select committee agreed to review the Act, and especially homeopathy’s PLR status.
If PLR protection is withdrawn, only homeopathic remedies for the mildest conditions will still be available in the stores, and only doctors will prescribe remedies.
To make your feelings known, and by February 18, email: andrea.farmer@mhra.gsi.gov.uk with your views. If you don’t have email access, and if there is still time, write to her at: MHRA, 151 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 9SZ.
