Thursday 1 April 2010

Free Prescriptions

Medical prescription charges no longer apply to Northern Ireland, with immediate effect from today, April 1st, 2010.

Charging for prescriptions has already been abolished in Wales and is being phased out of the Scottish health system.

England has abolished charges for cancer patients.

From a self-interested point of view, I welcome the news. Although, thank heaven, I have not needed a lot of medication, I do get the odd prescription; so, although, it shan't make a huge difference to me, it is nevertheless welcome.

3 comments :

Sandy said...

I think it is quite ridiculous. Why should I, and others earning a living, not pay a contribution towards medication. Why should the State (society) have to pay for my haemorroids cream (not needed, btw!).
Oh, I forgot, the country is awash with cash, and we don't owe anybody anything. Silly me.

Anonymous said...

All very well and good, except that I'll soon be taxed at 50%!

W.

Timothy Belmont said...

All valid points.

The trouble with the whole system is that up till now a small minority has had to pay for prescriptions. There has been such a long list of those on benefits exempt.

Perhaps, if everyone in the UK had to pay for prescriptions, except terminally ill, it would be fairer. Just a thought.