[The dilemma of effectiveness and economic value of alternative medicine]

Medical practice is today, and has always been, subject to a professional ethos that excludes unnecessary and dishonest methods. There is some concern about soundness and affordability of our health service if one sees that despite the financial worries that beset our health services, more and more alternative treatments are being proposed and used which are not equal to their money's worth. Political and legal decisions, as well as the activities of alternative healers, illustrate the onslaught on the supremacy of scientific teaching. These developments must be opposed vigorously for sake of protecting our patients.