NHS to ban homeopathy and herbal medicine, as 'misuse of resources'

The NHS has announced a ban on homeopathy and herbal medicine as they say it is "misuse of scarce funds".

Officials today ruled that the treatments are among dozens of medicines which should not be funded by the health service. In the last five years, the NHS has spent almost £600,000 on homeopathic treatment, despite long running debate about whether alternative remedies work.

Today NHS England ruled that “at best homeopathy is a placebo and a misuse of scarce NHS funds which could be better devoted to treatments that work.”

Health officials said cash-strapped clinical commissioning groups should no longer fund such medicines, along with 16 other classes of treatment classed as “low value” because they are ineffective or could easily be bought over the counter.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/07/21/nhs-ban-homeopathy-herbal-medicine-misuse-resources/

I didn't even know you could get that stuff on the NHS. I'm tired of people running to the docs to get a prescription for stuff they could just buy themselves. Mind you, you can get folic acid via prescription.

Need to remove lots of 'treatments' from NHS...

Tommy Monk wrote:
Need to remove lots of 'treatments' from NHS...

Interesting Tommy and agree. What else though, do you think needs to be removed?

Raggamuffin wrote:I didn't even know you could get that stuff on the NHS. I'm tired of people running to the docs to get a prescription for stuff they could just buy themselves. Mind you, you can get folic acid via prescription.

I actually did not know myself Rags and was quite surprised this was paid for on the NHS.

Thorin wrote:

Tommy Monk wrote:
Need to remove lots of 'treatments' from NHS...

Interesting Tommy and agree. What else though, do you think needs to be removed?

They need to stop giving you those ugly pills for a start!!!

Tommy Monk wrote:

Thorin wrote:


Interesting Tommy and agree. What else though, do you think needs to be removed?

They need to stop giving you those ugly pills for a start!!!

I know. The damn things never work mate. As I am still a hunk.  

Wish they could find a cure for my perfection.



You really never thought that one through did you?  Ha ha ha

They have been working alright... one of the side effects is you think they arent...!!!

Tommy Monk wrote:

They have been working alright... one of the side effects is you think they arent...!!!

How could they be working Tommy when they are ugly pills?  

All people need is a bottle of JD to cure looking at your ugliness?  

Or the fact I would need pills to make me ugly?    

Your prescription of pills to help your jealousy has just been approved by the NHS.

You are now going to get them for free.

Like Rags I didn't know you got them on the NHS. I've always bought them.

What I think is ridiculous is getting Paracetamol on prescription, they're only 16p in Asda. Such a misuse of funds.

magica wrote:Like Rags I didn't know you got them on the NHS. I've always bought them.

What I think is ridiculous is getting Paracetamol on prescription, they're only 16p in Asda. Such a misuse of funds.

Yes, nobody should be getting a prescription for paracetamol. You can get a prescription for paracetamol and codeine, but it's high strength and it wouldn't be suitable for over-the-counter sales.

Raggamuffin wrote:

magica wrote:Like Rags I didn't know you got them on the NHS. I've always bought them.

What I think is ridiculous is getting Paracetamol on prescription, they're only 16p in Asda. Such a misuse of funds.

Yes, nobody should be getting a prescription for paracetamol. You can get a prescription for paracetamol and codeine, but it's high strength and it wouldn't be suitable for over-the-counter sales.

Some Chemists are very good Rags. My double base cream is far cheaper than the NHS charge and I am only charged the actual cost.

Hence go to a local Chemist and not a chain like Boots.

Thorin wrote:

Raggamuffin wrote:

Yes, nobody should be getting a prescription for paracetamol. You can get a prescription for paracetamol and codeine, but it's high strength and it wouldn't be suitable for over-the-counter sales.

Some Chemists are very good Rags. My double base cream is far cheaper than the NHS charge and I am only charged the actual cost.

Hence go to a local Chemist and not a chain like Boots.

I was once prescribed some eye drops, but they were cheaper over the counter. Obviously, the people getting stuff like paracetamol on prescription are those who never pay for prescriptions anyway.

The only thing I get on prescription is Quinine for leg cramps...if I could buy them over the counter I gladly would.

Syl wrote:The only thing I get on prescription is Quinine for leg cramps...if I could buy them over the counter I gladly would.

There are things like folic acid and codeine which are on prescription, but only because you can't buy them in high strength, and some people need a higher dose. Otherwise, they should just be told to pay.

Thorin wrote:

Tommy Monk wrote:


They need to stop giving you those ugly pills for a start!!!

I know. The damn things never work mate. As I am still a hunk.  

Wish they could find a cure for my perfection.



You really never thought that one through did you?  Ha ha ha

Ahhh... I remember now... you're taking the pills for ugly people, that make you think you're hot stuff...!

Thorin wrote:

Tommy Monk wrote:
Need to remove lots of 'treatments' from NHS...

Interesting Tommy and agree. What else though, do you think needs to be removed?

Lots of things are cheaper to buy directly than pay prescription charges.
Though tbh everytime I am in a chemist most people don't bother to pay anyway......odd when they look quite affluent are not under or over the age where prescriptions are free...and certainly don't look pregnant...specially the men.

Raggamuffin wrote:

Syl wrote:The only thing I get on prescription is Quinine for leg cramps...if I could buy them over the counter I gladly would.

There are things like folic acid and codeine which are on prescription, but only because you can't buy them in high strength, and some people need a higher dose. Otherwise, they should just be told to pay.

I dont know about folic acid but why not just buy normal strength pain killers and double up?
Not that I'm suggesting anyone should do that.

Tommy Monk wrote:

Thorin wrote:


I know. The damn things never work mate. As I am still a hunk.  

Wish they could find a cure for my perfection.



You really never thought that one through did you?  Ha ha ha

Ahhh... I remember now... you're taking the pills for ugly people, that make you think you're hot stuff...!

Sorry Tommy, it was bad enough when you screwed up the first time, the second was even worse.

To now have to try and explain your joke when it went backfired after screwing up, reeks of desperation.



Keep taking your insecurity pills buddy...

Syl wrote:

Thorin wrote:


Interesting Tommy and agree. What else though, do you think needs to be removed?

Lots of things are cheaper to buy directly than pay prescription charges.
Though tbh everytime I am in a chemist most people don't bother to pay anyway......odd when they look quite affluent are not under or over the age where prescriptions are free...and certainly don't look pregnant...specially the men.

Many people get free prescriptions. Some are way too expensive. So it works the other way also.

The point is a good chemist will never charge you the NHS charge rate, when they know the product is far cheaper.

Syl wrote:

Thorin wrote:


Interesting Tommy and agree. What else though, do you think needs to be removed?

Lots of things are cheaper to buy directly than pay prescription charges.
Though tbh everytime I am in a chemist most people don't bother to pay anyway......odd when they look quite affluent are not under or over the age where prescriptions are free...and certainly don't look pregnant...specially the men.

I know! I don't think I've ever seen more than one or two people actually pay for a prescription.

I'm sure no one has ever taken ugly pills on here....no one needs them.

Raggamuffin wrote:

Thorin wrote:

Some Chemists are very good Rags. My double base cream is far cheaper than the NHS charge and I am only charged the actual cost.

Hence go to a local Chemist and not a chain like Boots.

I was once prescribed some eye drops, but they were cheaper over the counter. Obviously, the people getting stuff like paracetamol on prescription are those who never pay for prescriptions anyway.

I agree rags, its wrong. Did you not ask to pay the rate it cost?

I am very sure if you do and know the actual retail price, that you only then need pay that?

I could be wrong.

Syl wrote:

Raggamuffin wrote:

Syl wrote:The only thing I get on prescription is Quinine for leg cramps...if I could buy them over the counter I gladly would.

There are things like folic acid and codeine which are on prescription, but only because you can't buy them in high strength, and some people need a higher dose. Otherwise, they should just be told to pay.

I dont know about folic acid but why not just buy normal strength pain killers and double up?
Not that I'm suggesting anyone should do that.

because that is a good way to poison yourself

Syl wrote:I'm sure no one has ever taken ugly pills on here....no one needs them.

Indeed Syl, Tommy did a right own-goal with that gaff.

Bless him

Thorin wrote:

Raggamuffin wrote:

I was once prescribed some eye drops, but they were cheaper over the counter. Obviously, the people getting stuff like paracetamol on prescription are those who never pay for prescriptions anyway.

I agree rags, its wrong. Did you not ask to pay the rate it cost?

I am very sure if you do and know the actual retail price, that you only then need pay that?

I could be wrong.

Oh yes, the pharmacist told me they were cheaper over the counter, so I just bought them.

Syl wrote:

Raggamuffin wrote:

There are things like folic acid and codeine which are on prescription, but only because you can't buy them in high strength, and some people need a higher dose. Otherwise, they should just be told to pay.

I dont know about folic acid but why not just buy normal strength pain killers and double up?
Not that I'm suggesting anyone should do that.

Because the amount of paracetamol is the same, so you'd overdose on paracetamol if you doubled up.

Raggamuffin wrote:

Thorin wrote:


I agree rags, its wrong. Did you not ask to pay the rate it cost?

I am very sure if you do and know the actual retail price, that you only then need pay that?

I could be wrong.

Oh yes, the pharmacist told me they were cheaper over the counter, so I just bought them.

Some things you cannot get over the counter Rags, though are still cheaper. Like the cream I use. Have you ever checked the retail price on any prescription drug you used, that you could not buy over the counter?

Thorin wrote:

Raggamuffin wrote:

Oh yes, the pharmacist told me they were cheaper over the counter, so I just bought them.

Some things you cannot get over the counter Rags, though are still cheaper. Like the cream I use. Have you ever checked the retail price on any prescription drug you used?

The main drug I take isn't available without a prescription anyway.

Lord Foul wrote:

Syl wrote:

I dont know about folic acid but why not just buy normal strength pain killers and double up?
Not that I'm suggesting anyone should do that.

because that is a good way to poison yourself

So....this is why I never qualified as a medic then.

Raggamuffin wrote:

Syl wrote:

I dont know about folic acid but why not just buy normal strength pain killers and double up?
Not that I'm suggesting anyone should do that.

Because the amount of paracetamol is the same, so you'd overdose on paracetamol if you doubled up.

I sometimes take a double dose of painkillers if I have a bad pain....not often though, and so far I am still here.
Never paracetamol though....they have never ever helped me with aches and pains though some people swear by them.

Raggamuffin wrote:

Thorin wrote:

Some things you cannot get over the counter Rags, though are still cheaper. Like the cream I use. Have you ever checked the retail price on any prescription drug you used?

The main drug I take isn't available without a prescription anyway.

Have you checked the retail price Rags?

You could be paying more than you need to.

Thorin wrote:

Raggamuffin wrote:

The main drug I take isn't available without a prescription anyway.

Have you checked the retail price Rags?

You could be paying more than you need to.

I wouldn't buy it online if that's what you mean. Besides, it has to be monitored so it needs to be by prescription.

Raggamuffin wrote:

Thorin wrote:


Have you checked the retail price Rags?

You could be paying more than you need to.

I wouldn't buy it online if that's what you mean. Besides, it has to be monitored so it needs to be by prescription.

I mean about challenging what you pay at the chemist, if it was cheaper retail?

Thorin wrote:

Raggamuffin wrote:

I wouldn't buy it online if that's what you mean. Besides, it has to be monitored so it needs to be by prescription.

I mean about challenging what you pay at the chemist, if it was cheaper retail?

It's not available except on prescription. I have a pre-payment card anyway, and I get more than one prescription, so it works out quite well.

Raggamuffin wrote:

Thorin wrote:


I mean about challenging what you pay at the chemist, if it was cheaper retail?

It's not available except on prescription. I have a pre-payment card anyway, and I get more than one prescription, so it works out quite well.

There is a way to find out the retail cost that the NHS pays Rags.

Thorin wrote:

Raggamuffin wrote:I didn't even know you could get that stuff on the NHS. I'm tired of people running to the docs to get a prescription for stuff they could just buy themselves. Mind you, you can get folic acid via prescription.

I actually did not know myself Rags and was quite surprised this was paid for on the NHS.

Folic acid is not an alternative medicine, per se...

Folic acid deficiency in pregnant women is recognised as a leading cause of neural tube defects in newborn/unborn babies..

In the right situations, certain treatments can be justified.


"Homeopathic" and "Naturopathic" treatments, however, don't come into this area --  both are outright scams with zero evidence of any efficacy..  Both those 'modalities' are outright scams, and your NHS probably wouldn't have looked at them without the Royal family's use of "Homeopathy"...

"Herbalism" , massage, osteopathy and "Traditional Chinese Medicine" treatments should be taken on a 'case-by-case' basis for possible coverage by some private health covers (where if people pay extra, they get extra..), as some have been shown to be useful in particular circumstances..


None of them should be covered by NHS/Medicaire on a general basis though, either,  as that could be seen as an outright waste of limited funds.

Thorin wrote:

Raggamuffin wrote:

It's not available except on prescription. I have a pre-payment card anyway, and I get more than one prescription, so it works out quite well.

There is a way to find out the retail cost that the NHS pays Rags.

I don't understand your point. Are you suggesting that I should tell the pharmacist that he should sell it to me cheaper or something? He has to do what it says on the prescription.

WhoseYourWolfie wrote:

Thorin wrote:

I actually did not know myself Rags and was quite surprised this was paid for on the NHS.

Folic acid is not an alternative medicine, per se...

Folic acid deficiency in pregnant women is recognised as a leading cause of neural tube defects in newborn/unborn babies..

In the right situations, certain treatments can be justified.


"Homeopathic" and "Naturopathic" treatments, however, don't come into this area --  both are outright scams with zero evidence of any efficacy..  Both those 'modalities' are outright scams, and your NHS probably wouldn't have looked at them without the Royal family's use of "Homeopathy"...

"Herbalism" , massage, osteopathy and "Traditional Chinese Medicine" treatments should be taken on a 'case-by-case' basis for possible coverage by some private health covers, as some have been shown to be useful in particular circumstances..


None of them should be covered by NHS/Medicaire on a general basis though, either,  as that could be seen as an outright waste of limited funds.

Now this is a subject posters should listen to wolf on. As he knows miles more than me on.

Great post

WhoseYourWolfie wrote:

Thorin wrote:

I actually did not know myself Rags and was quite surprised this was paid for on the NHS.

Folic acid is not an alternative medicine, per se...

Folic acid deficiency in pregnant women is recognised as a leading cause of neural tube defects in newborn/unborn babies..

In the right situations, certain treatments can be justified.


"Homeopathic" and "Naturopathic" treatments, however, don't come into this area --  both are outright scams with zero evidence of any efficacy..  Both those 'modalities' are outright scams, and your NHS probably wouldn't have looked at them without the Royal family's use of "Homeopathy"...

"Herbalism" , massage, osteopathy and "Traditional Chinese Medicine" treatments should be taken on a 'case-by-case' basis for possible coverage by some private health covers, as some have been shown to be useful in particular circumstances..


None of them should be covered by NHS/Medicaire on a general basis though, either,  as that could be seen as an outright waste of limited funds.

Yes, but you can buy folic acid supplements. It would depend how much you have to take of course.

Raggamuffin wrote:

Thorin wrote:


There is a way to find out the retail cost that the NHS pays Rags.

I don't understand your point. Are you suggesting that I should tell the pharmacist that he should sell it to me cheaper or something? He has to do what it says on the prescription.

Again my double base is cheaper retail price. If I paid prescription price, its far more expensive. I pay retail price for this. Hence why its good to check Rags.

Didge... are you saying that if you go to the chemist to pick up prescription meds, that if the cost of these prescription only meds is less than the 8.50 quid scrpt, then you can get the meds for the lower price rather than pay the scrpt price of 8.50 quid...?

Tommy Monk wrote:Didge... are you saying that if you go to the chemist to pick up prescription meds, that if the cost of these prescription only meds is less than the 8.50 quid scrpt, then you can get the meds for the lower price rather than pay the scrpt price of 8.50 quid...?

Yep

I do when I purchase my double base cream. I learnt this from my chemist.

Thorin wrote:

Raggamuffin wrote:

I don't understand your point. Are you suggesting that I should tell the pharmacist that he should sell it to me cheaper or something? He has to do what it says on the prescription.

Again my double base is cheaper retail price. If I paid prescription price, its far more expensive. I pay retail price for this. Hence why its good to check Rags.

But can you get it over the counter anyway?

Tommy Monk wrote:Didge... are you saying that if you go to the chemist to pick up prescription meds, that if the cost of these prescription only meds is less than the 8.50 quid scrpt, then you can get the meds for the lower price rather than pay the scrpt price of 8.50 quid...?

You can if the medicines can be sold over the counter without prescription....just pay normally.

Raggamuffin wrote:

Thorin wrote:


Again my double base is cheaper retail price. If I paid prescription price, its far more expensive. I pay retail price for this. Hence why its good to check Rags.

But can you get it over the counter anyway?

Only on prescription.

Syl wrote:

Tommy Monk wrote:Didge... are you saying that if you go to the chemist to pick up prescription meds, that if the cost of these prescription only meds is less than the 8.50 quid scrpt, then you can get the meds for the lower price rather than pay the scrpt price of 8.50 quid...?

You can if the medicines can be sold over the counter without prescription....just pay normally.

Yes, but I was talking about drugs which are not available without a prescription.

Raggamuffin wrote:

Syl wrote:

You can if the medicines can be sold over the counter without prescription....just pay normally.

Yes, but I was talking about drugs which are not available without a prescription.

Pass then.....I thought if a drug was not available over the counter one would have to pay the full prescription charge.

Raggamuffin wrote:

Syl wrote:

You can if the medicines can be sold over the counter without prescription....just pay normally.

Yes, but I was talking about drugs which are not available without a prescription.

This cream is not available without a prescription rags

Thorin wrote:

Raggamuffin wrote:

Yes, but I was talking about drugs which are not available without a prescription.

This cream is not available without a prescription rags

Well then I don't understand how you can pay less for it. If the pharmacist fills the prescription, he would have to charge the prescription price.