A LEGAL challenge by the British Homeopathic Association to overturn plans to no longer routinely fund homeopathy on the NHS has been rejected by the High Court.
NHS chief Simon Stevens has welcomed the decision on the measures adopted to curb prescriptions for medicines that can be bought over the counter or are of low value.
Last year NHS England published guidance to curb prescriptions for 18 ineffective, unsafe or low clinical priority treatments, such as co-proxamol, some dietary supplements, herbal treatments and homeopathy. It was estimated that these measures would save the NHS in England up to £141 million a year.
Stevens said: "There is no robust evidence to support homeopathy which is at best a placebo and a misuse of scarce NHS funds.
"So we strongly welcome the High Court’s clear cut decision to kick out this costly and spurious legal challenge."
Guidance on items which should not be routinely prescribed in primary care is available on the NHS England website.
This page was correct at the time of publication. Any guidance is intended as general guidance for members only. If you are a member and need specific advice relating to your own circumstances, please contact one of our advisers.
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