From today’s HoC Sci and Tech committee ‘evidence check’ report on homeopathy

154. We welcome the Government’s acknowledgement that there is no credible evidence of efficacy for homeopathy, which is an evidence-based view. However, the Government’s view has not translated into evidence-based policies.  

155. The NHS funds homeopathy and has done so since 1948. We were disappointed that, in light of its view on evidence for homeopathy, the Government has no appetite to review its policies in favour of an evidence-based approach. The Government was reluctant to address the issues of informed patient choice or the appropriateness and ethics of prescribing placebos to patients.  

157. By providing homeopathy on the NHS and allowing MHRA licensing of products which subsequently appear on pharmacy shelves, the Government runs the risk of endorsing homeopathy as an efficacious system of medicine. To maintain patient trust, choice and safety, the Government should not endorse the use of placebo treatments, including homeopathy. Homeopathy should not be funded on the NHS and the MHRA should stop licensing homeopathic products.

Download the report here.