Homeopathy prescriptions 'could be banned' from the NHS

Doctors could be banned from prescribing homeopathy on the NHS under plans unveiled by the Government.

The Department for Health has launched a consultation which could see homeopathic products blacklisted if there are cheaper alternatives or if they are found to be ineffective.

If followed through, more than 3,000 items would be banned.

It comes after the Good Thinking Society threatened to pursue a legal challenge against the government unless they were added to the NHS's banned list of prescriptions, arguing the money could be spent better elsewhere.

The total cost to the NHS for homeopathy, including hospitals and GP prescriptions is estimated at £4 million.

George Freeman, the minister for life sciences, told the BBC: “With rising health demands, we have a duty to make sure we spend NHS funds on the most effective treatments.

"We are currently considering whether or not homeopathic products should continue to be available through NHS prescriptions.

"We expect to consult on proposals in due course."

The proposals have been met with dismay by homeopathy therapists, who accused the government of initiating an expensive study at a time when funding was facing a "crisis".