It seems that it would take some time before the controversy surrounding alternative medicine practitioners in Australia would die down. There is fierce opposition from a clan of 400 doctors, medical researchers and scientists towards other forms of medical practices like acupuncture and homeopathy.

The critics named under the Friends of Science in Medicine (FSM) are totally against the universities which are giving degrees in such techniques. The group is making it clear that there is no scientific base involved in alternative therapies unlike regular practices. They feel that giving undue credibility to such degrees could put healthcare system at risk.

The group was formed in December 2011. It is being honored with the presence of biologist Sir Gustav Nossal and Gardasil vaccine researcher Professor Ian Frazer, and many other renowned names. As of now, there are 19 universities which are offering courses such as homeopathy, iridology, naturopathy, acupuncture, and energy medicine.

"Alternative medicine is growing in Australia. We're the laughing stock of some other countries for having so much. It is doing a lot of harm", said Prof. Alastair MacLennan, of the University of Adelaide, who is a member of the clan which was co-founded by Professor John Dwyer.

Even, the group is opposing those private health insurance companies which are giving rebates for complementary medical treatments. In response to the attack lashed, a pro-alternative medicine practitioners group has defended his fraternity. The group, including the Australian Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine Association Limited (AACMA) and the National Herbalists Association of Australia (NHAA), is of the say that they are being unnecessarily targeted. They made it clear that Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are not something new as they have been taught as part of the mainstream health systems in China, Japan, Korea, and other parts of South East Asia.

While the war of words between the two sides is heating up, it would be interesting to see what lies in future for millions of patients.