ECCH today published a detailed report that concludes that homeopathic treatment is safe. The report is based on research into the three areas of the safety of homeopathic medicines, of homeopathic treatment by practitioners and of self-treatment with over-the- counter homeopathic medicines by individuals. The overall conclusion on the basis of existing evidence is that homeopathic medicines and homeopathic treatment by educated and regulated homeopathic practitioners is safe. A note of warning is sounded about members of the public continuing to treat themselves with homeopathic medicines for anything other than simple self-limiting complaints without seeking the help of a qualified homeopath or other health professional.
The report is published at a time when Patient Safety is high on the political agenda of the European Union with the European Commission publishing figures showing one in ten patients entering hospital will suffer an adverse event due to conventional treatment, that one in ten patients in hospital risks acquiring a ‘superbug’ infection and that some 197,000 patients die annually from such events across Europe. http://ec.europa.eu/health/index_en.htm
It is ECCH’s clear understanding that homeopathy and homeopaths have a significant future role to play in helping reduce such worrying figures.
A copy of ECCH’s report is available here: the safety of homeopathy 2009.pdf