ECHAMP is the European Coalition on Homeopathic and Anthroposophic Medicinal Products. It represents the vast majority of the industry of homeopathic and anthroposophic medicinal products in Europe. ECHAMP’s main aim is an appropriate legal and regulatory framework in order to achieve free and easy availability of these medicinal products in the European Union. Associated and corresponding members include national industry organisations and associations of health care professionals, patients and consumers.
Homeopathic and Anthroposophic Medicines in Europe
Parliamentary questions on complementary medicine
In its answers to a number of Parliamentary Questions tabled since the beginning of the year, the European Commission makes clear that it has no solution for the better functioning of the legislation for homeopathic and anthroposophic medicinal products within the current legal and regulatory framework for these products. The answers make it clear that this legislation urgently needs a review.
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‘… the existing Directives … need to be amended in such a way that, firstly, application of the statutory and administrative provisions ensure the free movement of homeopathic medicinal products and secondly, that when the additional rules are drawn up they take account of the peculiar nature of homeopathic medicinal products.’
European Parliament Report A4-0378/98
Switzerland enshrines complementary medicine in the constitution
In a national vote on 17 May, the Swiss people voted in favour of a constitutional article for complementary medicine. 67% of voters supported the new constitutional article, making Switzerland the first country in Europe to set out authority in the constitution for the state and constituent states (cantons) to take complementary medicine into consideration in the public health service.
The Swiss vote reflects the growing importance of complementary medicine in Europe. 65% of Europeans report they have used complementary and alternative medicine, with 30-50% using it as self-support and 10-20% having seen a CAM practitioner in the last year. 150,000 doctors have taken training in complementary medicine in Europe.
‘The voice of the Swiss people sends a strong signal to the EU Member State governments and the EU institutions that CAM is of growing importance in the daily health concerns of millions of European citizens. These citizens expect CAM therapies to be integrated into EU health policy. There is an urgent need to ensure better access to these therapies and improved availability of these medicinal products across the EU.’ Nand De Herdt, President, ECHAMP