Published: April 05, 2011
Op-Ed Contributor
Big Pharma to Outlaw Alternative Health Practitioners in North Carolina
By Ian Brockwell
North Carolina has been voting on a bill (Senate Bill 31) which outlines the penalties involved for the "unauthorized practice of medicine". The following extract was taken from the Bill:
"No person shall perform any act constituting the practice of medicine or surgery, as defined in this Article, or any of the branches thereof, unless the person shall have been first licensed and registered so to do in the manner provided in this Article. Any person who practices medicine or surgery without being duly licensed and registered, as provided in this Article, shall not be allowed to maintain any action to collect any fee for such services. The person so practicing without being duly licensed and registered shall be guilty of a Class I felony."
According to Section 2 of the Bill, the act becomes effective December 1, 2011, and applies to offenses committed on or after this date.
Effectively, this Bill will stop anyone without a license (except licensed doctors) from issuing medicine (even herbal remedies), and anyone defying this law will be treated as a criminal and face time in prison! This will include the work of many naturopaths, homeopaths, herbalists, aromatherapists, and even some midwives in the state.
It is worth remembering that the majority of the drugs used by Big Pharma originate from natural plants, the only difference (in most cases) is the fancy packet they are sold in and the incredibly high price! By blocking the supply of alternative medicines, the drug companies are creating a monopoly and forcing people to buy their products at whatever price they name.
Whilst it is wise to see your doctor when you develop a problem, there are times when "alternative medicine" can provide a better solution to the treatment normally offered (although not in every case). Simple things like Vitamin C can often provide better results than prescription drugs.
Terminally ill patients frequently seek out alternative medicines to obtain some comfort, and whilst a cure is not expected, there have been times when this has happened. If more traditional (modern) medicine can no longer help, why should we stop a patient from seeking alternatives?
Big Pharma is a business like any other, they are in it for the money. And just like any other business, profits will increase with the less competition you have. Sadly, doctors are being forced into this money making racket and have to promote certain drugs to keep their bosses happy, when they would rather concentrate on the real purpose of their profession.
If Big Pharma succeeds in North Carolina, it is only a matter of time before the rest of the country follows suit. It is up to you to make sure this does not happen! You can read more about this by clicking HERE.
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Ian Brockwell writes straight talking, honest stories that engage readers. Contact Ian through NewsBlaze.
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