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England Prescription cost increased: Scotland Prescription's now free...

By Kristy McGlynn

5 Mar 2011

It's disappointing to hear that yet again the cost of a prescription in England is yet again increasing, announced on the same day that Scotland announces free prescriptions for all, its a bittersweet pill to swallow.

Why is it that English citizens must continue to pay on an individual item basis? Many people are taking many medicines every day. If you were to stop a person over 50 on the high street, guaranteed that the person would be taking something for cholesterol, high blood pressure, asthma, diabetes……and our government somehow seems to think it's acceptable to charge more for each medicine, in some cases, more than the medicines actually cost to manufacture.

Why are prescriptions soon to be free in Scotland and already free in Wales?

I understand the government has a massive deficit to contend with and they are making changes in an attempt to reduce the deficit for the “greater good”. Ultimately we the public are the one’s hit the hardest, surely the financial institutions played a major part in this huge debt, I think it would be morally right to expect these multi-billion pound organizations to contribute more?

Has the government made an ethical choice to increase our prescription costs?

Did David Cameron make the assumption our “big society” can share the burden of the deficit? Did he make the assumption that we the public would take on the moral responsibility of building up the nation’s bank balance back into the black?

Was he and his government thinking let's cut the bureaucracy in the NHS and remove the top heavy management, or maybe he thought well costs for food, fuel, energy bills, travel and education costs have already increased, I know what else most people need – medicine! Let's increase the cost of a prescription.

How might this decision affect the public?

I imagine the public will grumble, complain and put up with it just like we have with all the other rising costs.

Mon, 07/03/2011 - 18:49 – Colin Ranshaw

It is a misnomer to use the

It is a misnomer to use the term 'FREE' prescriptions and increased prescription 'COSTS'. There is no such thing as a free prscription the prescription charge has been removed in Wales with Scotland and Northern Ireland following.

The devolved countries and responsibilities which includes the 'home' NHS organisastions receive a global sum to fulfil those functions and responsibilities. How they choose to spend the monies is a devolved resposibility.But the costs of prescriptions has to be paid for within that devolved country's budget. So for example the loss of prescription charge income in Wales will be off set for example by spending less in other areas of the NHS or by transferring monies from road building and maintenance into the NHS budget.

England has not increased the prescription cost merely the contribution towards a prescription charge. The previous RPSGB produced an excellent position statement on prescription charges based on sound research. It should be possible to get this policy statement from the RPSGB website. Then I would respectfully suggest that you make use of this to lobby your local MP, Andrew Lansley MP and his department.

A rant is not helpful, but intelligent lobbying being aware of the facts, can be useful.

'United Kingdom PLC' of which you are a shareholder is bankrupt and we have to recognise that and act appropriately. Spend wisely and prudently, selecting priorities accordingly. The democratic process allows us to help influence the course Government take. Constructive positive arguments on the challenges that lie ahead are far better than bemoaning the negatives. If we do not 'tighten our belts' as my grandmother used to say, and do something there will be no NHS nor will there be a 'United Kingdom PLC'.

I do not know if David Cameron et al are making the right decisons or not, nor do I know if the devolved countries are making the right decisions with the budgets they have. History wil judge. But I am sure the decisions right or wrong are being taken for the right reasons.

Colin Ranshaw F.R.Pharm.S

Sun, 20/03/2011 - 17:15 – Kristy McGlynn