The cost of homoeopathy in Scotland

Homoeopathy is a popular form of complementary medicine which is prescribed by 60% of Scottish GPs on the NHS. The aims of this study were, using the PRISMS database, to determine the number of homoeopathic prescriptions issued by Scottish community pharmacies on an NHS prescription, and the associated net ingredient costs over the last five years. In 2005, 48,778 homoeopathic prescriptions were dispensed in Scotland at an ingredient cost of £254,704 (excluding consultation and dispensing fees). During the study period the number of dispensed homoeopathic prescriptions fell by 9%, however the total ingredient costs increased by 28%. Although the amounts spent by the Scottish NHS on homoeopathy are relatively small, with the ever-increasing financial constraints, and demands for the use of cost-effective therapies with proven efficacy, it would seem appropriate to reconsider the position of homoeopathy in the Scottish health service.