(a) whether the editorial of the famous science magazine `The Lancet` has dismissed homoeopathic medicines as placebos in its September 2005 issue;
(b) if not the reaction of the Government thereto; and
(c) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government in this regard ?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE ( SMT. PANABAKA LAKSHMI)
(a) Yes, Sir. `The Lancet` in its issue of 27 August 2005 editorially commented on the homoeopathy`s lack of benefit.
(b) & (c) Homoeopathy is a scientific system of medicine in use in a large number of countries including India. The Department of AYUSH, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India is committed to development of the Indian Systems of Medicine & Homoeopathy and mainstreaming them in the national health care delivery network. Director, Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy had sent a rejoinder to Lancet on the above article but the same has not been published by the Lancet.