There is storm brewing at the moment involving the Therapeutic Goods Association (TGA), and Naturopaths/Herbalists… so I thought I’d blog about it because if these changes actually go ahead… my business, passion and livelihood would literally come to an end! Frightening.
In short, as of July 2014, the TGA will no longer recognise Naturopaths and Herbalists as practitioners (unless the current proposal is abolished or amended of course). Despite years (up to my 8th year of study now!) of training at accredited tertiary institutions, I will be considered a general consumer of therapeutic goods, rather than a Health Professional in my own right. This is due to the reforms being primarily presented under the guise of “public safety”. For more information, have a listen to www.healthmasterslive.com/#resources to find separate interviews with Jon Wardle and Dr Wendy Morrow, discussing these proposed changes and implications.
Natural Medicines are used by up to 60% of the Australian population on a daily basis, and of these, half of those people use Natural Medicines for chronic health conditions. Without qualified Naturopaths, there is no question that public safety would be compromised with self-prescribing and negative drug-nutrient and drug-herb interactions. Check out a blog I did a few months ago detailing why Naturopathy qualifications matter.
This is all happening because Naturopaths & Herbalists are not currently covered by the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme (NRAS) which is administered by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Therefore, the TGA has no formal guarantee that those groups of practitioners not included in the NRAS (ie Naturopaths, Herbalists and Homeopaths) are:
- More competent than ordinary consumers to assess advertising about therapeutic goods, and;
- Able to exercise specialist judgement when either treating consumers with advertised therapeutic goods, or advising consumers about the use of advertised therapeutic goods.
Fair enough. I am well aware of the risk to public safety which unqualified Naturopaths, Herbalists and Nutritionists present. This is why our profession URGENTLY needs an accredited association or governing body, which only recognises qualified practitioners extensively trained in the area of complementary medicine.
For this reason, there is a silver lining! I am actually grateful for the spotlight which has been placed on this issue, as I’m concerned for public safety when unqualified persons offer advice and treatment to the public. I will celebrate the day qualified Naturopaths have a unified governing body!!
What can you do to help?
As with any political campaign, the greatest impact will be achieved with people power! You can offer support by lodging your submission at the TGA consultation webpage which includes a cover sheet under “how to respond”. I have also written a letter to our local MP and the Minister for Small Business. There is also a petition on change.org which you can sign if you feel this is something worth supporting.
Bottom Line
We mustn’t be alarmist, as this is an issue which has been building for some time. As qualified health professionals, we must stand up for what is right and fair, and work with the government to ensure public safety is upheld. It’s about time the perceived ‘quackery’ associated with our industry ceases, and trained Naturopaths and Herbalists are formally recognised. I am hopeful that these proposals will result in positive change for our industry.
I appreciate your support.
Until next time, Stacey.
Stacey Curcio N.D 