Put natural health bill out of its misery

16 July 2007

Put natural health bill out of its misery – consumer group

A consumer watchdog group is calling on the Government to kill the natural health products bill once and for all so a sensible regulatory system can be developed.

Amy Adams from the NZ Health Trust has been a leading opponent of the proposal for the past five years. She says that until natural health products are dropped from the Therapeutics and Medicines Bill there is an unacceptable state of limbo.

``Today’s announcement that the bill is on hold leaves consumers in the lurch and the industry still desperate for sensible regulation,’’ Mrs Adams said.

``Everyone agrees that new regulations are necessary, but Government is blindly refusing to bury this unpopular bill and get on with something sensible.’’

Mrs Adams said the reality is that the bill was becoming more politically unpalatable by the day, and putting it on hold was irresponsible for a government claiming to be concerned for consumers.

``The fact that the Minister Annette King has tried every trick in the book to get this passed but still can’t muster the numbers in Parliament shows just how dead the legislation is.’’

``The industry and consumers are ready and waiting to work on a New Zealand-based system whenever the Government is ready. The Health Trust just hopes Government faces up to reality quickly for consumers’ sake.’’

ENDS

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