This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Consultation on prescription charges
25/01/2006
A consultation on the current system of NHS prescription charging will be conducted over the next three months, it was announced today.
Ahead of a parliamentary debate on the issue, Deputy Health Minister Lewis Macdonald said:
"I want to see a system of prescription charging that is fairer, simpler and more affordable for both patients and the NHS.
"We believe that patients who can afford to contribute towards dispensing costs should continue to do so. This enables NHS money to be used in other areas of healthcare, and in tackling health inequalities, where it is really needed and will improve the nation's overall health.
"We do not believe that a blanket abolition of charges is the best use of tax-payers' money.
"We do, however, recognise that the current charge and exemption arrangements have anomalies and inconsistencies, which is why I am pleased to unveil our consultation paper today. We have listened to concerns raised by the Health Committee and to the evidence they considered last year.
"I am confident that this consultation will bring about the necessary reforms of the prescription charging and exemptions system and bring substantial benefit to the people who need it."
Views will be sought on a range of proposals including:
- Extending prescription charge exemption to a greater number of people on low incomes
- Reform of the existing arrangements for patients who require frequent or multiple prescriptions
- Extending concessionary arrangements for full-time students and trainees
The consultation document will be distributed to stakeholders by January 31.
The options in the consultation, and way in which they are implemented, must:
- not deter patients from obtaining medication which is important for their health or to relieve suffering
- be affordable to patients at the time of need, including being free of charge for some
- be practicable to deliver
- contribute to the efficient and effective provision and use of primary care services
- support the Executive's policies and priorities, which include promoting health, supporting self-care, and tackling problems of poverty and low income