McGimpsey introduces free prescriptions in Northern Ireland

Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey has said the introduction of free prescriptions from 1 April 2010 in Northern Ireland is the end of a tax on illness.

This follows an announcement by the Minister in September 2008 to introduce free prescriptions.  From January 2009, prescriptions were reduced to £3.

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.

Speaking at the Grove Wellbeing Centre in Belfast, Michael McGimspey said: “I believe that charging people for vital medication is totally against the principles of a health service that is free at the point of use.

“Prescription charges have been called a tax on illness. The fact is that within our community there are ill people who do not have enough money to pay for their prescriptions.  They are being forced to choose between their medicine and food, which is totally unacceptable.

“Why should  the health service fund the cost of operations, outpatient appointments and diagnostic tests and expect people with asthma, diabetes and other lifelong conditions to pay for the medication they desperately need?

“When I carried out my review of prescription charging I looked at a number of different options.  One option was to extend the list of conditions that would be exempt – but that would mean trying to rank one illness against another, this goes against the principles of equality.

Commenting on the decision to introduce free prescriptions when the health and social care service is facing significant financial difficulties, the Minister said: “The cost of abolishing prescription charges will be accommodated from within my existing budget.   No existing services will be affected by this decision.

“A pill is not necessary for every ill. I want to assure the public that I will be monitoring the volumes of drugs dispensed very carefully.

“I believe that full abolition of charges is right for Northern Ireland.  It’s an economic investment, as people will be able to get back to work earlier if they have the right medication.  It’s also an investment in people, at a time when they need it most.”

Further information about free prescriptions is available from nidirect.gov.uk

Notes for Editors:

1. A cost and benefit review group was established following an Assembly debate on prescription charging in May 2007. The review group included pharmacists, doctors and, most importantly, patient representatives.

2. The evidence and findings from the other parts of the UK has helped to inform the DHSSPS review. In Wales, prescription charges were abolished in April last year while the Scottish Executive has decided to introduce a phased abolition of prescription charges so that by 2011, there will be no charges for prescriptions. England has abolished charges for cancer patients.

3. In 2006/07 there were over 16 million prescription forms issued to patients which resulted in almost 30 million prescription items being dispensed. This equates to an average of 17 prescription items per person.

4. Currently, the income from prescription charges amounts to around £13 million net each year. The gross cost of £14 million is offset by £1 million administration costs. That must be set in relief against the £360 million that is spent on medicines prescribed by GPs. Of that £360 million, only a small proportion — around 3·5% — is recovered.

5. Additionally, each year, hospital consultants prescribe approximately £109 million worth of drugs, all of which are free to patients.

6. Further information about free prescriptions is available from nidirect.gov.uk

7. Press enquiries to the DHSSPS Press Office on 028 9052 0579. For Press enquiries outside normal office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.