Heather Saxena WOOLWORTHS ’ new venture

into healthcare , including free naturopath consultations , has been branded “ McMedicine ”, with the supermarket giant accused of trying to hook people into buying its supplements .

Selling it as a solution to GP shortages and the fall in bulk-billing , the company has been attempting to recruit GPs to offer $ 45 telehealth consults , along with e-scripts and medical certificates .

Six months since it was announced , the GP service is not yet up and running , with its website stating it is “ coming soon ”.

But customers can now book free 15-minute ‘ discovery calls ’ with naturopaths to discuss “ nutritional supplements , herbal medicine , dietary advice or general health recommendations ”.

RACGP president Dr Nicole Higgins is branding it “ McMedicine ”, saying there is a huge conflict of interest given Woolworths has “ aisles full of supplements ”.

The Woolies ’ Healthylife website includes profiles of the naturopaths it has recruited .

Ebony Nash says she has “ a passion for treating the underlying drivers of thyroid disorders and hormonal imbalances , naturally ”.

Another , Cathy Abel , states that she “ often works with women that are going through the perimenopause / menopause transition utilising a holistic approach combined with evidence-based treatments ”.

And Gabbie Watt , a former radiation therapist , says she has a background in conventional medicine , which “ has been instrumental in shaping her holistic approach to health ”. The supermarket giant defended its service . “ Our 15-minute naturopath discovery calls are designed to be an introduction to a naturopath and not intended to be a full clinical consultation ,” a spokesperson told Australian Doctor .

They stress that the consultation calls are with “ a degree-qualified naturopath ” who offers lifestyle advice on sleep , movement and mindfulness to aid in prevention and health promotion .

“ It ’ s important to note our in-house health professionals provide independent advice . They do not have product sales targets , nor do they receive commission from product sales .”

While the Healthylife website

includes the disclaimer that the service is not intended to replace “ usual medical or naturopathic care ”, with customers referred back to their usual naturopath or GP , the college is dismissive .

Dr Higgins told the ABC : “ Naturopaths are there to maybe have a discussion around prevention and lifestyle but certainly not there for diagnosis and management of illness .

“ We don ’ t want to go down McMedicine-style delivery .”

Dr Nicole Higgins .

Rachel Fieldhouse ADULTS aged 75 or older should receive another COVID-19 booster if more than six months have passed since their last dose , says new ATAGI advice .

It also said those in the 65-74 age group and patients aged 18-64 with severe immunocompromise “ should consider ” an additional dose .

The additional vaccine would most benefit those with no history of a COVID-19 infection , patients with underlying conditions or disabilities with complex needs , and residents of aged care facilities .

For under-65s who had already had a COVID-19 booster this year , no further doses were recommended .

However , patients could still be vaccinated before the recommended six-month interval “ where considered appropriate ”, such as before starting an immunosuppressant or before overseas travel .