In 1987, the Society published The Health Crisis suggesting a blueprint for future health policy. Some of the proposals are now being seriously investigated. For example, a number of independent initiatives to examine the integration of orthodox, complementary and alternative medicine have been taking place throughout the l990´s by both complementary and orthodox organisations. And, in 1997, a report entitled Integrated Healthcare: A way forward for the next five years? was published by a steering group, initiated by HRH The Prince of Wales, to evaluate what would be needed to further this move. However, we are concerned that integration should not jeopardise the individual nature and requirements of the alternative or complementary medical disciplines.

A summary of some of our other recommendations follows:

   the Medicines Commission be restructured in order to allow representation from experts in alternative and complementary medicine

   medical training in universities be expanded and reorganised in order to widen the present curricula to include recognised alternative therapies

   standards be set for institutions to be recognised for training in the major alternative medical systems such as homoeopathy, herbal medicine, acupuncture, etc.

   a commission composed of experts from all sides of the debate be established to investigate the possible longterm effects of current and proposed drug therapies

   funding be made available for the establishment of holistic medical centres, staffed by qualified orthodox and alternative practitioners

   funding be provided to qualified researchers wishing to carry out work on alternative methods of treatment

   trusts be established for research into alternative treatments for chronic illnesses currently regarded as 'incurable' by orthodox medicine