Secretary of State Andy Burnham has announced that statutory regulation of medical herbalism is to go ahead.
We received the following information from the National Institute of Medical Herbalists (NIMH) today.
“This is a great day for NIMH and a vindication of all the hard work put in by members over the last ten years or so.
We welcome the announcement, which is an important declaration of principle, and we also welcome the fact that the Secretary of State made the announcement himself instead of delegating it to a more junior minister. However we still have important questions about how the regulation is going to be effected, and what regulating body will be appointed (and whether they will have sufficient resources to carry out the regulation). We also intend to insist on full status for herbalists as recognized medical professionals.
You may be sure that we will be looking at the Secretary of State’s proposals in some detail, and it may be necessary for lobbying and campaigning to continue to ensure we get the most advantageous terms for our profession.
If any members are approached by the media to comment on the Secretary of State’s announcement you should say that you welcome the announcement but wish to see more detail about how the regulation will be implemented. Advice on speaking to the media can be gained from Andrew Hoyle prconsultant@nimh.org.uk If national newspapers or TV stations approach you should refer them to Michael McIntyre ehpa@globalnet.co.uk who has the most up-to-date information on what is being proposed and what the likely impact will be on the practice of medical herbalism in the United Kingdom.
Well done everyone who has helped us in this campaign. This is YOUR achievement, and will ensure the future of NIMH into the decades ahead.
Yours sincerely,
NIMH Council.”
