NHS urged to drop homeopathic treatments

Homeopathic treatments should no longer be offered by the NHS or pharmacies where they are currently stocked, doctors have claimed.

Those attending the annual British Medical Association conference voted three to one in favour of banning NHS funding for homeopathy, which is a contentious form of alternative medicine.

It is based on the concept of giving patients with certain symptoms heavily diluted tonics that cause similar symptoms in otherwise healthy individuals.

The majority of GPs feel that resources should not be allocated to training doctors in homeopathic treatments, which studies have shown to have uncertain results.

Dr Mary McCarthy, a GP from Shropshire, was quoted by the Press Association as dismissing claims that homeopathic treatments make people feel better.

"Lots of things make you feel better - a sunny day, the smell of the sea, a hug, retail therapy," she said.

"It can do harm by diverting patients from conventional medical treatments." 

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