‘Overdose’ protest to target homeopathic medicine

By The Editor
Jan 25, 2010

Bristol-based consumer activists are to take part in a nationwide protest against the sale of homeopathic remedies at Boots stores, culminating in a mass ‘overdose’ on Saturday.

The protest, organized by Bristol Skeptics as part of the 10:23 Campaign, intends to demonstrate to the public that the remedies have no medical value – despite their increasing popularity.

Alternative medicine: Homeopathic treaments involve diluting substances that create similar effects to the condition being treated

The campaigners believe that, far from being an effective treatment for illness, homeopathic remedies undermine trust in scientific-based medicine and medical advice.

In an open letter to the pharmacy chain, signed by more than 1,500 people, the group describes the remedies as “implausible” and “scientifically absurd”.

Michael Marshall, a spokesman for the 10:23 Campaign, said: “The sale of homeopathic remedies is defended on the basis of allowing customer choice, but choice relies on clear information, and misleading customers by endorsing homeopathic brands restricts their ability to make good health choices.”

Homeopathy is an alternative form of medicine devised by German physician Samuel Hahnemann in 1796. The principle behind it states that ailments can be treated with mixtures created with heavily diluted substances that create the same effects as the condition being treated.

The debate over homeopathic medicine was reignited in October last year when Boots’ professional standards director Paul Bennett told a committee of MPs that there was no medical evidence that homeopathic pills and potions work.

“There is certainly a consumer demand for these products,” he said. “I have no evidence to suggest they are efficacious.

“It is about consumer choice for us and a large number of our customers believe they are efficacious.”

Mr Bennett made his comments to the House of Commons Science and Technology Committee, which is investigating the scientific evidence behind homeopathy.

This week Mr Bennett defended the chemist’s right to sell homeopathic remedies.

“Boots UK is committed to providing our customers with a wide range of healthcare products to suit their individual needs, we know that many people believe in the benefits of complementary medicines and we aim to offer the products we know our customers want,” he said.

“Our pharmacists are trained healthcare professionals and are on hand to offer advice on the safe use of complementary medicines.”