Protecting BC Naturopathy

An initiative that would severely limit naturopathy has upset many British Columbians who use complementary medicine. Unless the public speaks out, the BC government plans to remove naturopathic diagnosis, some food-based techniques, blood tests and intravenous treatments from naturopaths' scope of practice.

"We're deeply concerned about this because it represents one more assault on non-drug alternatives," says Lorna Hancock, executive director of Health Action Network Society, a consumer health organization involved in the issue. "We would like people who prefer a nutritional or non-drug approach to health care to have the same rights and privileges as those who prefer drug therapy."

Protect your consumer right to freedom of choice in health care by contacting the BC Naturopathic Association at 604-736-6646 or bcna.ca.

BC's total provincial budget: $26 billion.

BC's budget for health-care delivery and services:$10 billion.

Money spent on naturopathic services in 2001, before they were cut out of the Medical Services Plan: $1.5 million.

Money spent to upgrade nursing services announced December 2002: $21.5 million.