Homeopathy :: Homeopathy still considered last resort by patients

Despite a Rs 650 crore market and an annual growth rate of 25 per cent, Homeopathy is often considered a last resort when other treatments had failed, says a new research study.

Patients take recourse to homeopathy as a last resort when all other treatments prove ineffective, which actually prolongs the duration of the treatment, said Dr Mukesh Batra, Chairman and Managing Director, Dr Batra’s Positive Health Clinics Pvt Ltd (DBPHCPL).

Quoting a research study conducted by A C Nielson at a press conference here today, he said 81 per cent of people suffering from chronic ailments, either self medicate or do nothing at all. This is a disturbing trend throughout the country.

However, the study found that while 62 per cent of the current homeopathy users have never tried allopathy, 82 per cent of the users would not switch to conventional treatments.

The research also threw light on the friction between conventional medicine and homeopathy. It highlighted that while people opt for conventional medicine because it enjoys top-of-mind recall (59 per cent) and has immediate results (56 per cent), they choose homeopathy because it is safe (53 per cent) or it is recommended by friends and relatives (50 per cent).

Also 20 per cent of the population which has never tried allopathy would opt for it because it provides quick relief and cure for most problems.

A WHO study estimates that by 2017 the global market for homeopathy, the second largest system of medicine in the world, growing annually at 20-25 per cent, will reach Rs 52,000 crore.


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