National Health Service (Prescription Charges)

Question Time — Scottish Executive – in the Scottish Parliament at 2:30 pm on 19 June 2003.

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Photo of Colin Fox Colin Fox SSP 2:30, 19 June 2003

To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will remove charges for NHS prescriptions, in the light of plans to do so in Wales. (S2O-206)

Photo of Tom McCabe Tom McCabe Labour

We have no plans to remove charges for NHS prescriptions. The Executive is committed to reviewing prescription charges for people with chronic health conditions and young people in full-time education or training.

Photo of Colin Fox Colin Fox SSP

I am sure that the minister is aware that the Welsh Assembly has announced plans to abolish prescription charges altogether in Wales, as it concluded that prescription charges meant that the sick paid for being sick. Given that the National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux reported that, in Britain last year, 750,000 prescriptions were not dispensed because of the £6.30 charge, does the minister accept that, as 90 per cent of Scots are already exempt, it is time to end the unfairness that is visited on the remaining 10 per cent?

Photo of Tom McCabe Tom McCabe Labour

It is for the Welsh Assembly to make its own decisions; that is the whole point of devolution. We in Scotland concentrate on what we regard as priorities and the people of Wales are perfectly entitled to do the same.

I acknowledge the figure that the member quoted, but 91 per cent of the total items that are dispensed in Scotland are dispensed free at the moment.

Photo of David Davidson David Davidson Conservative

Further to the minister's answer, what will be the net cost of making all prescription items for chronic conditions free while retaining charges for non-chronic treatment for those who currently pay prescription charges?

Photo of Tom McCabe Tom McCabe Labour

That information is not currently available. That is the point of reviewing the current situation with regard to chronic conditions. The definition of chronic conditions must also be examined before that review can take place.

Photo of Alex Neil Alex Neil Scottish National Party

Will the minister comment on the allegations that are made on page 2 of this morning's Daily Record about a legal loophole that means that those who are able to claim free prescriptions are not getting their entitlement to free school meals?

Photo of Tom McCabe Tom McCabe Labour

My information is that there has been no oversight on free services because of the new tax arrangements. The necessary statutory instrument to allow free eye checks is already in place. We are currently working on the three other areas of prescription charges, dental checks and hospital travel. However, they do not require primary legislation.

It is important to point out that so far—and this will continue to be the case—no patient has been disadvantaged. Guidance was issued to practitioners in March to ensure that there would be no break in current provision.

Photo of Elaine Smith Elaine Smith Labour

Although I welcome any extension of the exemption system for NHS prescription charges, I am concerned about the apparent shortfall in prescription provision. Is the minister in a position to respond to last night's media reports that Greater Glasgow NHS Board is not prescribing beta interferon to multiple sclerosis sufferers because of financial constraints? That situation could adversely affect several of my constituents.

Photo of Tom McCabe Tom McCabe Labour

I am aware of those press reports and our officials are in discussions with Greater Glasgow NHS Board.

The partnership agreement that will form the basis of the Administration during the next four years fully acknowledges that health boards in Scotland should prescribe any drug that has been approved by NHS Quality Improvement Scotland. We are determined to end postcode prescribing.