Sometimes governments can be incredibly sneaky.
It has come to my notice that our parliament very quietly, near
the end of last year, introduced a huge bill that has the potential to impact
the lives of every single New Zealander.
It is called the Therapeutics Products Bill, and, if passed in
its present form, it will set up one person (called a Regulator) who will have
god-like control over every single medical drug, medical device, active
pharmaceutical ingredient, and natural health product in New Zealand.
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Martinborough Hotel, Waiarapa |
It will especially impact any medical therapy that is
outside the conventional Western drugs medicine system. This includes herbalism, ayurveda, homeopathy,
aromatherapy, rongoa Maori, traditional Chinese medicine, as well as lesser-known
areas like reiki, and generally accepted practices like osteopathy and massage.
Going to a chemist or supermarket and buying vitamin and/or
mineral supplements may become a thing of the past.
Potentially, the Bill even has the capability of preventing
anyone cooking with aubergines or using cinnamon or turmeric!
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Kaeo Hotel, Northland |
My understanding is practitioners of non-conventional
therapies will still be able to practise.
They cannot claim any benefits for their work without being
liable to a fine of $200,000 or a five-year prison sentence (but doctors are
allowed to say a certain drug “works”!).
Anything prescribed will have to be manufactured by the
practitioner and sold to the client only after a consultation (imagine if a
doctor had to make up the drug he was giving you?).
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Glenorchy Hotel, Queenstown |
All of the above sounds absurd, but shows how little the proposed
legislation has been thought through. Yet it is being rushed through the legal
process, with nary a Select Committee to consider its implications or
consultation with the health industry, and the public have been given only
until 15 February to object.
Once again, I shake my head in disbelief at the way
governments can use their power to rob people of their free choice.
Just as well I am still smiling 😊
Margaret.
(If you want to object, head off to https://www,parliament.nz/.../therapeutic-products-bill
to state your opinion).