Parliamentary report on homeopathy out - and the DH's response

The parliamentary Science and Technology committee today released a report following their 'evidence check' on homeopathy.  It said there was insufficient evidence to continue to provide it on the NHS.

Media reports can be seen on the BBC http://bit.ly/cJQaJ0  , Sky News http://bit.ly/cIQsoE  and in the Sunday Telegraph http://bit.ly/dcfwir

A spokesperson for the Department of Health has given a measured first reaction to the report:

'The Department of Health and Government welcome the publication of the report and will give it, and any recommendations made, full consideration over the coming weeks. We will provide a full considered response within two months of publication of the report.

'In the meantime we would reiterate that we appreciate the strength of feeling both for and against the provision of homoeopathy on the National Health Service.

'Our view is that the local NHS and clinicians, rather than Whitehall, are best placed to make decisions on what treatment is appropriate for their patients - this includes complementary or alternative treatments such as homeopathy.'

FIH have also issued a press release about the STC report.