Healthcare in the 21^st century presents a major economic challenge. More than $100 billion is spent every year directly on healthcare costs. This represents 9.1 percent of GDP and is forecast to grow to 15 percent of GDP by 2045.¹ 

Complementary medicine is a significant and mostly privately funded component of the healthcare landscape.   

Preliminary studies and usage patterns indicate that complementary medicine may represent substantial potential in disease prevention, in addressing the burden of chronic disease and achieving greater health and wellbeing at reduced cost.

NICM commissioned Access Economics to research the cost effectiveness of selected complementary medicine treatments for some of Australia's most common and costly chronic health problems including: low back pain, heart disease, depression and arthritis.

See Cost effectiveness of complementary medicines report

Reference 

1. Australia Institute of Health and Welfare (2009).  Health expenditure Australia 2007-2008.  (Health and welfare expenditure series no. 37. Cat no HWE 46)

Content Updated 13 September 2010