One in six Italians use
homeopathic medicine at least once a year, research by health
sector research institute DoxaPharma showed on Tuesday.
The study also showed that about 20,000 doctors in Italy
recommend the use of homeopathy, a system in which patients are
treated with small doses of a substance that would in larger
amounts lead to symptoms of illness in healthy people.
Omeoimprese, an association of the biggest homeopathic
medicine producers in Italy, reported revenues of about 92.6
million euros in 2015, up 2.9 % compared to the previous year.
Total turnover in the whole homeopathy sector in Italy
amounted to more than 300 million euros, making it the third
largest market in Europe. However, overall revenues edged
slightly lower by 1% in 2015.
"The number of Italians who are familiar with our products
remains high, but the economic crisis that has hit companies
globally has without doubt negatively influenced prescriptions
of the drugs, for which patients have to pay the entire cost,"
said Omeoimprese President Giovanni Gorga.
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