KwaZulu- Natal based complementary health-care group House of Health will roll out a national retail franchise network in high profile shopping centres over the next five years, in a bid to secure an increasing slice of the R1,74bn alternative health sector.

Three stores have already opened in the Durban area with the figure expected to grow to about 20 throughout SA by the end of next year.

House of Health MD Gordon Wilson said there was a strong and growing trend towards natural health products given the increased knowledge among consumers of the side effects of conventional medicine, escalating medical costs and a heightened awareness of the value of preventative health care.

'This has produced more specialised health shops and increased the shelf space allocated to these products by major retail chains and pharmacies,' he said.

The launch would be complemented by rapid regulation of the alternative health sector.

Source: Business Day