Every Member is aware of the growing use of non-conventional methods of medicine in society. The growth in use of acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine in Ireland in the past ten to 15 years has been astonishing. While we all recognise the existence of alternative forms of medicine, the State has flatly refused to recognise the phenomena and to implement standards for professionals working in the area. The Minister for Health and Children should establish a national register of practitioners so that the public and professionals are aware of their rights and responsibilities.
Under current law, any member of the public is entitled to establish as a practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine without qualifications. I understand there are currently 200 trained practitioners of acupuncture and Chinese medicine in Ireland, the majority of whom are self-regulated, carry insurance cover and are governed by a voluntary code of conduct. While there is no doubt about the commitment and professionalism of these people, there is widespread concern within the profession about the absence of agreed national standards in training and qualifications. Any member of the public can legitimately establish a training course in alternative medicine or establish a practice. This cannot be allowed to continue and the Department of Health and Children has a direct responsibility to introduce national standards for the training of people in acupuncture and Chinese medicine. I cannot think of another profession in which this would be allowed.
Non-conventional medicine is here to stay and it is self-evident that increasing numbers of people will turn to acupuncture or other forms of traditional Chinese medicine to seek medical cures. I understand it is now 20 years since the World Health Organisation drew up a list of diseases it considered responsive to acupuncture treatment. The majority of western countries have established official bodies for the regulation and recognition of Chinese medicine. In Britain, acupuncture is available on the National Health Service, and many private health insurance providers reimburse clients for acupuncture and Chinese medical services. It is wrong that people are charged VAT when they obtain acupuncture therapy. Taxing people as they attempt to alleviate their pain and suffering through non-conventional medicine does not seem equitable or just.
The most worrying aspect of the debate is that the State has implicitly and explicitly failed to recognise the existence of non-conventional medicine. This is against a background of international research which shows the positive effects of such medicine. Given the number of people involved in the area, it seems ridiculous to ignore it. I am aware of many medical practitioners who view acupuncture and Chinese medicine as complementary to the work of their profession. Patients should have a right to the broadest type of therapy but, more importantly, they have a right to be protected in law by standards and regulations governing the performance of alternative medicine. This issue cannot be dodged any longer and the Government has a responsibility to respond to the many voices calling for a register and a code of practice in the area. Ignoring the existence of non-conventional medicine will simply allow a rogue element to fester and grow within the profession. Recognising the existence of acupuncture and Chinese medicine would greatly assist in establishing long-term confidence in this growing area of medicine.
