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Media Release
Description: Complementary Medicine gets a boost Date: 30 March 2008 |
Type: Further information: |
Complementary Medicine gets a boost
Research into the fast-growing area of complementary and alternative medicine received a boost today with the announcement by the Australian Government of more than $7 million in grants.
The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Health and Ageing, Senator Jan McLucas, announced the funding at the third International Congress on Complementary Medicine Research at Darling Harbour in Sydney.
“Complementary medicine usage represents a substantial proportion of activity in the Australian health care sector,” Senator McLucas said.
"More than $2 billion is spent nationally, with up to two-thirds of the Australian adult population using at least one product and one in four using complementary medicine services.
"There is growing testimony that complementary medicine can make a significant, cost-effective contribution to public health in chronic-disease management and in preventative care.
"Until now there has been a gap between those who believe in and use complementary medicine and the strength of evidence to support that use. Today's announcement is intended to help bridge the gap."
Funding of $1.74 million has been awarded to establish three NICM Collaborative Centres and a further $5.3 million for 13 projects that will be funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC).
The NICM Collaborative Centres will be established at the University of Queensland, the University of Sydney and Swinburne University of Technology.
Senator McLucas estimated that the Rudd Government's funding would enable the three centres to attract a further $7.5 million in additional funding from universities and research partners.
The projects funded by the NHMRC will deliver evidence-based studies, including clinical trials, to strengthen acceptance and integration of alternative therapies into the health-care system.
The projects include:
- the use of complementary and alternative medicines and self-management among people with type-2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease
- a trial of omega-3 fatty acids as a treatment for symptoms for young people at ultra-high risk of psychosis
- the evaluation of nutritional supplements in preventing Alzheimer's disease.
» Download Grants summary (PDF, 22 Kb)
Media contacts: |
Mark Davis |
|
0417 684 096 |
|
Phil Mayne |
NHMRC |
0422 008 512 |
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