Prince Charles promotes alternative medicine

August 26, 2005

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Charles commissions medicine study 24th August 2005

The Prince of Wales has commissioned a report into the benefits of complementary

therapies, Clarence House said.

The report is being led by Christopher Smallwood, a former chief economics

advisor to Barclays Bank.

It is expected to be sent to ministers and officials in October.

According to the Times newspaper, a draft of the report's conclusions suggests

"economy-wide" savings of between £500 million and £3.5 billion could be

achieved by offering spinal manipulation therapies as a standard NHS option for

back pain.

The report also claims up to £480 million could be cut from the prescription

drugs bill if 10% of GPs were to offer homeopathy as an alternative to standard

drugs, according to the paper.

In addition, £38 million could be saved by switching 10% of depression patients

to St John's Wort, a herbal remedy.

Paddy Harverson, the Prince's spokesman, said it was inappropriate to comment on

the report before it was completed.

He said: "The Prince of Wales merely asked an eminent independent economist to

look at the effectiveness, especially from a financial point of view, of

integrated healthcare."

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