§ Mr. DoverTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make it his policy to make osteopathy services available on the national health service. [33809]
§ Mr. HoramIt is for local purchasers to decide, in the light of available resources and competing priorities, on the purchase of the most appropriate forms of treatment to meet the assessed health needs of their population. The reforms we have introduced in the national health662W service have made it easier for those doctors who would like to provide osteopathy services for their patients to do so.
In April, a two-year pilot project commenced to assess whether osteopathy and chiropractic should be added to the standard list of goods and services which general practice fundholders can purchase on behalf of their patients.