The Therapeutic Products Act: A Blow to the Pockets and the Health of all New Zealanders!
This article presents the case that the Therapeutic Products Act is a poisonous piece of law that threatens the health and well-being of all Kiwis and the viability of practitioners, manufacturers and importers of natural health products and services. This toxic legislation must be repealed.
The Therapeutic Products Act and Its Consequences
New Zealand has witnessed a significant legislative change that has stirred both discussion and debate. The enactment of the Therapeutic Products Act over the next couple of years is poised to destroy the natural health supplements industry, by aligning it more closely with pharmaceutical medicines.
However, what's making waves is not just the alignment but the creation of an entirely new bureaucratic structure that will accompany this change. This shift is expected to bring forth a wave of between 250 and 500 new civil servants tasked with enforcing the Act. While the claimed aim is to "keep people safe" (Yes, there's that nauseous statement being used yet again to justify taking away more of your freedoms!), the practical implications are raising concerns about the affordability and accessibility of natural health supplements.
Safety vs. Evidence: The Central Question
One might wonder why New Zealand has opted for such a substantial transformation of its regulatory framework for natural health supplements. The central argument in favour of this Act is the assurance of consumer safety. However, the critical question that emerges is whether there is compelling evidence to suggest that such a radical, expensive and punitive shift is necessary (million-dollar fines, imprisonment and confiscation of assets).
The Act places the responsibility for ensuring the safety and efficacy of natural health products firmly in the hands of the government, thereby increasing the oversight and regulation of the industry. However, the rationale for this significant overhaul remains somewhat elusive. The efficacy and safety record of natural health supplements has, until now, not indicated a substantial concern.
A Remarkable Safety Record: Zero Deaths from Vitamins and Minerals
Consider the recent report from the American Association of Poison Control Centers, which revealed zero deaths attributed to vitamin or mineral supplements. Not only does this highlight the safety of these supplements, but it also underscores the stark contrast between pharmaceutical drugs and natural health products in terms of their safety records.
It is now accepted, after heart disease and cancer, that allopathic medicine, including pharmaceuticals, is the third leading cause of death in the Developed World. Actually, since COVID and the consequences of mRNA vaccination, the evidence is growing by the day that medicine is now the leading cause of premature death!
If natural health supplements have been proven safe over many years, is there a legitimate reason to introduce a slew of new regulations that could potentially make these supplements unaffordable or inaccessible to the general population, while driving the local industry, including natural health professionals out of business?
Balancing Safety with Affordability
Although it might be good for the Wellington Region's economy, the projected influx of civil servants and associated costs is a significant concern for the natural health industry. These added expenses are legislated to be passed on to the manufacturers and importers of supplements, leading to increased prices for consumers, and potentially decimating the local industry to the benefit of the big foreign-owned operators, selling into New Zealand.
As the cost of supplements rises, they may become an imported luxury that only a select few can afford, potentially undermining the very essence of their availability to the masses.
The fundamental question remains: Should the drive for "keeping us safe" lead to an abundance of regulation and an army of bureaucrats who know little to nothing about the fundamentals of health? While it's essential to ensure that consumers are protected, it's equally crucial to maintain a sense of proportion and base regulatory decisions on sound evidence.
Should the drive for "keeping us safe" lead to an abundance of regulation and an army of bureaucrats who know little to nothing about the fundamentals of health?
Chilling Effects and the Harsh Penalties
In addition to these concerns, the Therapeutic Products Act introduces severe penalties, including a five-year prison term, a two-million-dollar fine, and asset confiscation. The potential consequences of these penalties are a significant chilling effect on health claims and natural therapies. The fear of financial ruin and imprisonment may discourage many, including myself, from making health claims or prescribing natural therapies, no matter how robust the evidence, while driving many out of the natural health sector.
The Unintended Consequences: Self-Diagnosis and Self-Prescribing
Moreover, the Act may inadvertently foster an environment in which individuals opt for self-diagnosis and self-prescribing. In their quest for wellness, they may resort to the vast expanse of the internet, where remedies and supplements are readily available from sellers who may not have the consumer's best interests at heart. The lack of oversight and responsibility in this realm can lead to unsafe or ineffective treatments being accessible to the public.
A Looming Health Disaster?
The overall consequences are deeply concerning. New Zealand is already grappling with progressively declining population health, and this Act will exacerbate the situation. Self-diagnosing and self-prescribing can lead to misinformed choices, potential health risks, and a lack of proper guidance and care.
Other than "Wild West" of the internet, the only treatment choices left for New Zealanders will be Big Pharma and Big Medicine.
Is this the real, unstated purpose of this legislation - the complete and utter takeover of Mother Nature by the Kleptoglobalists: Big Pharma, Big Medicine and Big Food?
The Potential Exodus: Handing Healthcare to Big Pharma and Big Medicine
One of the most significant concerns surrounding the Therapeutic Products Act and its harsh penalties is the mass exodus from the natural health industry. Health professionals, manufacturers, importers, and retailers will find themselves at a crossroads, faced with the fear of financial ruin and incarceration. This fear, in turn, will drive many dedicated individuals and businesses to exit the industry, rather than risk the penalties.
The consequences of such a departure are profound. It will lead to a decline in the availability of natural health therapies and supplements, limiting the choices and access that individuals have for their health and well-being. New Zealanders, known for their active lifestyle and holistic approach to health, will find themselves with fewer options and reduced access to natural health products and therapies.
Furthermore, the chilling effect on health claims and natural therapies is equally concerning. The fear of severe penalties will discourage practitioners from exploring and recommending new therapies, even if they are supported by robust evidence. This will hamper the overall progress in the field and limit the options available to individuals seeking alternative and complementary treatments.
The Act's unintended consequence, therefore, and as secretly planned will be the relinquishment of the natural health industry to the domains of "Big Pharma" and "Big Medicine." While these sectors have their merits, they may not align with the preferences and values of those who have long benefited from natural health therapies. This shift will reshape the healthcare landscape in New Zealand, excluding the diverse and holistic approaches that many have come to value.
Preserving What Works: "If It Ain't Broke, Don't Try to Fix It!"
The age-old adage, "If it ain't broke, don't try to fix it," resonates strongly when evaluating the current state of New Zealand's natural health industry. The industry has operated for years with an impeccable safety record and a commitment to well-being, reflecting the choices and preferences of many New Zealanders.
The introduction of the Therapeutic Products Act and its associated penalties have raised significant concerns. These changes will disrupt an industry that has been serving the population effectively. As the saying goes, why tinker with a system that is working well?
The WHO Pandemic Response and Its Implications on National Sovereignty.
In the midst of discussions surrounding the Therapeutic Products Act and its potential impact on New Zealand's natural health industry, it is essential to address another significant concern that has been looming on the global stage – the response to pandemics as orchestrated by the World Health Organization (WHO). While the WHO plays a crucial role in coordinating international responses to health crises, there are growing apprehensions about the potential implications of such responses on our national sovereignty, including our health choices.
The COVID-19 pandemic, which has swept across the globe, has led to an unprecedented level of global cooperation and response. While international collaboration is vital during such crises, the WHO's pandemic response has raised several questions and concerns about how it may impact New Zealand's ability to make independent decisions regarding its health policies and regulations.
One of the primary concerns is the potential for international organisations like the WHO to exert undue influence on our domestic health policies and regulations. While the goal of global health coordination is to ensure a uniform response to pandemics, there is a risk that this coordination may infringe upon our national sovereignty, limiting our ability to make decisions that align with our unique values and circumstances.
This concern is not limited to New Zealand alone; many nations have expressed similar worries about the erosion of their sovereignty in matters related to health. The WHO's recommendations and guidelines, while well-intentioned, may not always account for the specific needs and circumstances of individual nations.
Moreover, the increasing reliance on global organisations and international coordination may lead to a situation where our national health policies are driven by external forces rather than being based on the preferences and choices of our own citizens. This potential shift raises questions about the democratic principles that underpin our governance.
While international collaboration is crucial, it is equally important to strike a balance between global coordination and the preservation of national sovereignty. New Zealand has a long history of making decisions that align with the values and preferences of its people. The WHO's pandemic response should complement, not compromise, our ability to do so, and I think it does - and I'm far from alone in having these concerns.
So, as we evaluate the potential impact of the Therapeutic Products Act on New Zealand's natural health industry, it is essential to also consider the broader context of global health responses. Balancing international coordination with the preservation of our national sovereignty is of paramount importance. Our ability to make decisions that reflect our unique values and choices should not be undermined by well-intentioned but potentially overreaching global health initiatives.
New Zealand must carefully navigate these waters to ensure that its well-being and the choices of its people remain at the forefront of its health policies.
Concluding Call to Action: Preserving the Well-Being of New Zealanders
In this context, the incoming government of New Zealand must carefully consider the impact of the Act and the associated penalties. By recognising the industry's success and safety track record, they can make informed decisions that benefit the well-being and choices of the people.
The well-established natural health industry in New Zealand has worked effectively for years. Rather than attempting to fix a system that is not broken, it is time to prioritise the preservation of choices, affordability, and accessibility for the well-being of the population.
We strongly call on the incoming government to do the following things:
Repeal the Therapeutic Products Act, and at the very least, reconsider its impact on an industry that has contributed positively to the health and well-being of New Zealanders for years. It is time to safeguard the choices, affordability, and accessibility that individuals need to maintain their well-being and longevity.
A new stand-alone office for natural health products is established under the Food Act. That it be completely separate from any pharmaceutical regulatory authority, or influence. More here: https://www.naturalhealthalliance.co.nz/about-us/
Delay ratifying the WHO Pandemic Response Treaty, to give the incoming government time to consult the people and respond in the best interests of New Zealand.