A survey by the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM) indicates that over half (53%) of its members will no longer be able to provide Chinese herbal medicine to their patients, and one fifth will have to close their clinics, when the European Directive on Traditional Herbal Medicinal Products comes into force on 1 May.

The figures relate to practitioners who responded to a questionnaire issued by the RCHM.
Without access to the necessary herbs, practitioners will be unable to treat patients and the RCHM fears the public will seek to illegally obtain medicine over the internet. It is estimated that 2.5 million people in the UK use Chinese medicine.

From 1 May, only health professionals regulated by the Government (through statutory regulation) will have access to the majority of herbal medicines. However, this form of regulation is not currently available to herbal practitioners in the UK.

“The Government must act quickly to introduce statutory regulation. This is the only way to protect the public and will mean that experienced and competent practitioners can continue to supply powerful herbs. Statutory regulation must be via the Health Professions Council, the only organisation already set up and structured for this purpose,” says Emma Farrant, secretary of the RCHM.

The RCHM is also highlighting the knock-on effect on suppliers. A number of leading British manufacturers and importers will be severely affected and some will lose 50% of their income.

Balance Healthcare Ltd in Kingham, Oxfordshire was established in 1985. It has 19 employees – some have given 23 years’ service. The company distributes Chinese and western herbal products, supplies its own-brand medicines and runs a dispensary. Its annual turnover will be reduced by 55%.

Avicenna, in Hove, was set up in 1987. The company makes bespoke medicines and specialises in developing creams for patients with skin conditions. Its medicines are used by clinics around the UK and in other countries, including university hospitals. The company fears it will lose a third of its turnover and may have to make some staff redundant.

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