The provision of free naturopathic consultations by Woolworths-owned subsidiary HealthyLife has raised concerns among peak health organisations as more people opt for these appointments, possibly due to financial constraints amid the current cost of living crisis. Experts warn that this trend may be diverting individuals from more robust, evidence-based healthcare options.
Amidst the evolving landscape of healthcare accessibility, HealthyLife launched telehealth consultations in March with a range of professionals including general practitioners, dieticians, nutritionists and in-house naturopaths. These consultations were offered alongside home delivery of pharmaceutical products, facilitated by partner SuperPharmacy.
While a 30-minute consultation with a registered dietitian or nutritionist costs $115 and a 15-minute consultation with a GP costs $45, a 15-minute ‘discovery call’ with a naturopath is free.
A HealthyLife representative told Guardian Australia that since the launch of the telehealth initiative, “customers have had hundreds of discovery calls with our in-house naturopaths”. The spokesperson clarified that these discovery calls, which last 15 minutes, are designed to introduce people to naturopathy and its potential relevance to their health journey, rather than serve as full clinical consultations.
Naturopathy, an alternative health care practice, is based on the premise of treating or preventing illness without relying on conventional medical interventions. While some naturopathic therapies, such as diet and exercise recommendations, are supported by evidence, others, such as iridology and homeopathy, lack proven effectiveness.
HealthyLife’s website states that the service “is not intended to replace your usual naturopath or healthcare professional”, and sometimes referrals back to a person’s usual healthcare practitioner may be advised.
Dr Elizabeth Deveny, CEO of the Consumers Health Forum, expressed concern that current economic pressures and longer waiting times could lead people to seek advice from practitioners who may not be best equipped to deal with their conditions. She emphasised that seemingly minor problems such as heartburn or skin rashes could be masking more serious underlying issues that require thorough investigation.
Professor Peter Brooks, from the University of Melbourne’s School of Population and Global Health, raised concerns about the lack of science behind naturopathic advice. Emphasising the need for evidence-based healthcare, he warned of delayed diagnoses resulting from non-evidence-based practices, which could exacerbate health conditions.
Dr Nicole Higgins, President of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, noted a disturbing trend where escalating living costs are driving consumers towards convenient and economical healthcare alternatives, a phenomenon she termed “McMedicine”. Higgins cautioned against overlooking the profit-driven motivations behind Woolworths’ involvement in this healthcare model, particularly given its extensive range of vitamins and supplements.
Testimonials on the HealthyLife website suggest that naturopathic consultations have led to product recommendations, including supplements. Concerns have been raised about the objectivity of such recommendations, given potential conflicts of interest. Dr Higgins called for a health care system that prioritises safety, quality, evidence-based practice and universal access.
As the discourse surrounding Woolworths’ free naturopathic consultations deepens, the need for a balanced approach that incorporates scientific rigour, transparency and ethical considerations remains at the forefront of the healthcare conversation.
