May 1st 2024.
Today marks a significant increase in the cost of an NHS prescription, with the price rising from £9.65 to £9.90 per item. This change has sparked concern among commentators, who are calling it a "tax on the working poor." Chemists are also warning of a "dark day" for patients as they struggle to afford their medications.
The Royal Pharmaceutical Society in England is among those speaking out against the hike, with chairwoman Tase Oputu stating that it is a "dark day" for patients who will now have to pay nearly £10 for each item on their prescription. She also expressed concern for those on low incomes, who will be hit the hardest by this increase. According to Oputu, the rising cost of prescriptions has made it difficult for many to afford their necessary medications.
The cost of a 12-month NHS prescription prepayment certificate, which covers all NHS prescriptions for a set price, has also increased from £111.60 to £114.50. It's worth noting that prescriptions are free in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. In light of this, the RPS is calling for prescription charges to be scrapped altogether in England.
But who exactly is exempt from paying for prescriptions in the UK? Children, over-60s, pregnant women, people on certain benefits, and those with certain medical conditions are all eligible for free prescriptions. However, the Prescription Charges Coalition is urging for an urgent review of this exemption list, which they argue has remained virtually unchanged for the past 50 years.
The coalition believes that many conditions, such as Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis, and asthma, should be included on the exemption list due to the financial burden they place on patients. They fear that the rising costs of prescriptions will force people to skip their medication, leading to dire health consequences. This is a concern shared by Wendy Tombs, who has Parkinson's disease and relies on financial aid from a charity to cover the cost of her prescription prepayment certificate.
Laura Cockram, head of campaigns at Parkinson's UK and chairwoman of the coalition, emphasized the impact this increase will have on those living with long-term health conditions. She stated that the rising costs could result in more people missing, reducing, or delaying their medication, ultimately leading to a decline in their health. Cockram is calling on the UK government to freeze the charge in 2025 and conduct an urgent review of the exemption list.
A Department for Health and Social Care spokesperson defended the increase, stating that almost 9 in 10 prescription items are available for free on the NHS in England. They also assured that there are various forms of support, including the NHS Low Income scheme, in place to help those who cannot afford their medication. The spokesperson added that regular price updates are necessary to ensure the sustainability of the NHS and its ability to provide excellent patient care.
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