Italy’s National Medical Association, FNOMCEO, has recognized certain forms of alternative medicine as “legitimate treatment” — a historic move that will expand the practice of alternative medicine.

FNOMCEO also requested the Parliament to regulate alternative and complementary medicine and to create a “National Health Agency” for alternative medicine to guarantee against misuse.

Acupuncture, Chiropractic, homeopathy, osteopathy, ayurvedic medicine and traditional Chinese medicine are among the alternative treatments recognized by the council of doctors.

Doctors who practice alternative medicine must adhere to explicit guidelines, which call for rigorous training and specific education programs — with disciplinary sanctions for doctors not respecting the guidelines.

“This represents a cultural and scientific turning point,” said Dr. Carlo Maria Giovanardi, President of the Italian Federation of Acupuncture Societies. “Now we hope the health ministries will include some non-conventional therapies, such as acupuncture, in the basic levels of health assistance.”

Giovanardi noted that 15% of the population is interested in seeking alternative therapies.

According to national statistics, 9 million Italians use alternative medicine to treat illnesses and would like such therapies to be provided free of charge as part of the national health care system.

SOURCE: Reuters Health Information, www.reutershealth.com, May 23, 2002.