Non-Conventional Medicine in Italy: The present situation

This article provides a brief overview of the current situation in Italy regarding the diffusion and regulation of Non-Conventional Medicine (NCM). In Italy the use of NCM is spreading among the population as in the rest of Europe. Sales of alternative remedies are growing, and likewise the number of MDs who practice NCM. However, in Italy, unlike in other countries of the European Union, at the present time the juridical/legal status of NCM is not well established, mainly due to the lack of any national law regulating NCM professional training, practice and public delivery, not to mention the absence of government-promoted scientific research in this field. After procrastinating for 20 years, the Italian Parliament is therefore urged to legislate without further delay and approve a full-scale national law on Non-Conventional Medicine to protect citizens' safety and freedom of choice.