NHS chief blasts homeopathy as 'dangerous'

THE head of the NHS on Monday (28) accused the homeopathy industry of spreading myths about vaccination and wants the practice blacklisted.

Calling homeopaths "chancers" who con public to part with their hard-earned money, NHS chief Simon Stevens wants the medical watchdog to de-list the Society of Homeopaths from its official register of professional organisations.

He said that the body's inclusion sends a message that homeopathic remedies are effective as clinically-tested medicines.

In his letter to the Professional Standards Authority , Stevens said that he has concerns about the society's inclusion because the practice of homeopathy remained "fundamentally flawed."

He said its accreditation would give a "false impression" to patients that homeopathic remedies are as trusted as the treatments used by doctors, nurses and other professionals on the register.

Emphasising his point, Stevens said: "Anything that gives homeopathy a veneer of credibility risks chancers being able to con more people into parting with their hard-earned cash in return for bogus treatments which at best do nothing, and at worst can be potentially dangerous."

The health chief has also accused homeopaths of promoting misinformation about vaccines.

Stevens said: “Whether touted as a miracle cure or as protection from serious diseases - like so-called homeopathic vaccines - homeopathy is no replacement for rigorously tried and tested medical treatments delivered or prescribed by properly-qualified professionals, and by stopping people seeking expert help, misinformation and ineffective remedies pose a significant risk to people’s health.”

However, the Society of Homeopaths – the UK's largest group of registered practitioners – said it does not promote any treatment contrary to NHS guidance, especially on vaccinations.

There are hundreds of homeopathy practitioners across the UK, including 1,200 who are registered with the Society of Homeopaths.

The practice was banned on the NHS in 2017.