Do I Have A Choice?

 

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.

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!

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?).

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).