Economic Report Finds Complementary Medicine Could Ease Health Budget

A study into the cost effectiveness of complementary medicine in Australia has found the nation could potentially save millions of dollars in healthcare costs without compromising patient outcomes if complementary medicine is more widely used.

The research conducted by Access Economics for the National Institute of Complementary Medicine at the University of Western Sydney examined the cost effectiveness of selected complementary medicine treatments.

The study found taking fish oil supplements was a highly cost effective intervention to prevent heart disease for those who already had a myocardial infarction (heart attack).

Clinical trials have shown St John’s wort is an effective as standard drug treatments for mild-moderate depression.

Acupuncture for chronic non-specific low back pain as a complement to standard care resulted in significantly better pain outcomes compared to standard care alone.

Several clinical trials have shown Phytodolor, a herbal treatment for osteoarthritis, can help some osteoarthritis patients manage pain and control inflammation.

Complementary medicines could defray the high costs of modern health care by offering better disease prevention and more effective management of chronic conditions.