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Action on script charges

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Action on script charges

The Prescription Charges Coalition has launched an e-petition calling on the Government to abolish prescription charges for all patients in England with long-term conditions. The petition coincides with the news that prescription charges in England are to rise from £7.85 to £8.05 per item.

The petition aims to demonstrate the strength of public feeling around this issue and follows a new report from the Coalition which found that more than a third of patients have not taken prescription medicines because of the cost. Furthermore, three-quarters of those who were not taking their medication as prescribed because of costs said that this had affected their ability to work, including 70 per cent who had been forced to take time off work.

Looking at the duration of GP prescribing intervals for people taking medication for a stable long-term condition while maintaining their contact with the pharmacist could also be a way forward, suggests the RPS. “Linking the prescription charge to the repeat authorisation, rather than to each prescription form, is likely to increase medicine adherence through reduced costs and inconvenience for this very specific group of patients,” said English Pharmacy Board, RPS, vice-chair Ash Soni.

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