Mon, 08 Dec 2003

Minister in the German health ministry expresses support for alternative treatments during Weleda visit

Schwäbisch Gmünd, 8 December (NNA) – The parliamentary state secretary in the German health ministry, Marion Caspers-Merk, spoke positively about “alternative methods of treatment” during a visit to Weleda AG in Schwäbisch Gmünd last week.

According to a statement from Weleda, Ms Caspers-Merck discussed the effects of German legislation to modernise the health system, due to enter into force in January 2004, as well as the opportunities and risks for companies arising from the harmonisation requirements in the European medicines market.

„Alternative methods of therapy must be given a chance in Europe,“ the parliamentary state secretary said.

The harmonisation of the registration of medicines in Europe produced tremendous burdens for many businesses in the pharmaceuticals industry, including Weleda. One solution here might be to include medicines whose contents differed only marginally under the simplified registration procedure for homoeopathic medicines, Weleda said. As a consequence such medicine would not have to be re-registered in the process of harmonising formulations.

In Germany, in particular, there was extraordinary diversity in particular therapeutic methods. “This diversity represents our strength,” Ms Caspers-Merk said. Germany had clear responsibilities in this field, the state secretary added.

ENDS

Item: N031208-01EN Date: 8 December 2003

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