The Scottish Government

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Lower prescription charges

08/02/2009

New regulations to bring in lower prescription charges have been laid before the Scottish Parliament, the Scottish Government confirmed today.

As part of the Scottish Government's commitment to abolish all prescription charges by April 2011, Scottish Ministers propose that charges are reduced this April, from:

• £5 to £4 for a single prescription item
• £17 to £13 for a four month Prescription Pre-payment Certificate (PPC)
• £48 to £38 for a twelve month PPC

Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said:

"The Scottish Government is determined to uphold the fundamental principles underpinning the NHS in Scotland: that healthcare should be available free at the point of use.

"To this end, we are committed to abolishing all prescription charges by April 2011. But this is much more than a principled position. By ensuring equality for all patients regardless of their health needs, we have a real opportunity to improve the health of patients.

"These changes will particularly help those with long-term conditions to manage their health and ensure that cost is not a barrier to them obtaining and taking their medication.

"I know that patients across Scotland are benefiting from the initial reduction in charges we introduced last year and they will further benefit as we reduce the charges again."

Subject to the agreement of the Scottish Parliament, the new charges would come into effect on April 1 2009.

In order for the reduction in charges to come into effect, a Scottish Statutory Instrument needs to be laid before, and agreed by, the Scottish Parliament. The National Health Service (Charges for Drugs and Appliances) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2009 was laid before Parliament on 6 February 2009.

In December 2007 the Scottish Government announced its decision to abolish prescription charges for all patients in Scotland from April 2011. A reduction in charges would begin in April 2008 and the phasing out of charges is planned as follows: