Positive reaction to health products Bill

A South Dunedin health products manufacturer is relieved proposed regulation of the sector seems not as draconian as feared.

Artemis managing director Sandra Clair said the Natural Health Products Bill tabled last week in Parliament had not realised industry fears of health products being over-regulated.

Last year, Ms Clair told the Otago Daily Times initial proposals would drastically increase costs and could lead to staff lay-offs at the South Dunedin firm.

While the impact on costs was as yet unclear, she was pleased natural health products would be regulated separately from pharmaceutical drugs.

The Bill would enable health manufacturers to make reasonable claims for the effectiveness of their products, which at present was severely restricted, she said.

The present restrictions made it difficult for people to choose healthcare products, which about 50% of New Zealanders used, she said.

It appeared the Ministry of Health had accepted the relative safety of plants and herbs used for hundreds of years.

Artemis, which produces healthy teas, tinctures, and creams for the New Zealand and international market, employed eight staff, up two on last year, she said.

Expected to come into effect next year, the Bill would establish a natural health regulator inside the ministry.

Costs of setting up the regulatory body would ideally be borne by the Government, as the sector was providing a valuable service to New Zealand and did not receive patient or product subsidies, Ms Clair said.

The natural healthcare sector needed better integration into the mainstream sector, and possibly financial support on some levels.

Statistically natural health products were safer than food, she said.

Associate Health Minister Dr Jonathan Coleman said the joint Green Party and Government Bill would replace "out dated" legislation and increase consumer protections.

 

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