Homeopathy, Quack quack, quack quack.
The truth is I have a really big problem with Homeopathy, and quackery and voo-doo mumbo jumbo in general. I would have inevitably blogged about this so I have decided to get it out of the way nice and early.
So homeopathy, people swear by it, it makes them feel better, even if it doesn’t work surely there is no harm in it? Well frankly yes, as this tragic story demonstrates.
Homeopathy doesn’t work. It is quackery of the highest order, just fleecing people out of their money for ineffective treatments (at best), and at worst it is actively discouraging people from seeking proper medical attention.
My view is that the way homeopathy casts doubt of vaccination programs is almost criminally dangerous, something that can effect not just those who “choose” to use homeopathic remedies, but everyone else as well.
Now the truth is I personally have a pretty libertarian view of personal harm. If rational, consenting adults want to engage in risky, or reckless endeavours that will harm only them. And not affect others then, as far as I am concerned that is their business.
However where this kind of thing impacts on public policy, and gets funded out of public coffers then I think I, and we, are entitled to have an opinion.
My opinion is that it is a disgrace that the NHS wastes money funding homeopathy. Several million pounds a year. Not sure how many nurses that would fund… quite a few I reckon.
The House of Commons Science and Technology committee has recently investigated Homeopathy and found that it was a waste of money. The “Big Quacka” industry has sprung to the defence of homeopathy, an EDM (number 908) criticising the committee has been signed at the time of writing by 43 MPs (Including disappointingly John McDonnell).
It is I think important to ensure that there is pressure to support the committee, and a sensible policy on how public money within the NHS is spent.
I have been directed to two different “Number 10” petitions people can sign. One about implementing the committee recommendations, and another calling on Homeopathic treatment to be subjected to the NICE regime before it can be prescribed. I would recommend signing both.
I firmly believe that public money ought to be spent principally on treatments who’s efficacy above the level of placebo effect can be demonstrated in double blind trials.
And anyhow to end on a chuckle a couple of “funny” links one explaining how the argument works with use of a good visual prop, and one a good story from the Daily Mash about homeopathy.
