NHS prescriptions rise by 25p

Prescriptions to cost £7.10 per item

Thursday, 06, Mar 2008 12:00

The cost of medicines for NHS patients will rise by 25p an item from next month.

Health minister Dawn Primarolo has announced the NHS prescription charge for a single item will increase to £7.10 from April 1st.

The government argues this is below the current rate of inflation, keeping prescription charge increases at an affordable level for ten consecutive years.

Moreover, Ms Primarolo said 88 per cent of prescriptions are free in England due to the "extensive exemption arrangements" put in place by the government.

In 2006 fewer than seven per cent of prescriptions were charged to the patient at the point of dispending.

A further five per cent were for patients with prepayment certificates. These cost £27.85 for three months and £102.50 for 12 months and are offered to anyone needing more than three items in three months.

Charges will also increase for dental costs, with a simple check-up and polish costing £16.20 from next month, and optical vouchers, used by children and those on low-incomes.

Overall it is estimated prescription charges will raise £435 million in the next financial year, far below the NHS' total drugs bill, which was around £10.3 billion in 2005/06.

Ms Primarolo said this was "valuable income that can be ploughed back into the NHS".