MSP
Briefing - Abolition of Prescription Charges Bill
Feb 2006
Introduction
This briefing sets out UNISON Scotland's position
on the Health Committee's Report on the Abolition of Prescription
Charges Bill, which is to be debated at Stage 1 on Wednesday,
25th January 2006.
Prescription Charges
UNISON Scotland fully supports and welcomes the
Committee's overall view that abolition of prescription charges
would have a beneficial effect on the health of the people of
Scotland, particularly those in the greatest need, i.e. those
on low incomes, suffering from chronic illnesses. UNISON believes
that the current system of charging for prescriptions is unfair,
inequitable, illogical and inconsistent.
Despite the Executive's assertions that 80% of
all prescriptions dispensed in Scotland are free, evidence shows
that the current system adversely affects more people on low incomes
and in chronic ill health who find themselves unable to afford
the medicines they are prescribed.
Anecdotal evidence from our members working in
health centres and the community shows that many people do not
take up their prescriptions, or choose the most important, if
prescribed many items. This can cause deterioration in their health,
leading to more expensive hospital treatment at a later date.
In addition, recent research, shows that the
number of people not taking up their prescriptions rises with
every increase in charges and this has increased over the last
year due to changes to Incapacity Benefit which have taken many
people out of income support top-up and removed their right to
free prescriptions.
The cost of prescriptions also has an effect
on people with chronic illnesses. Some diseases are exempt from
prescription charges, but there are many, life-threatening diseases,
including conditions such as chronic heart disease, arthritis,
asthma, cancer, including chemotherapy drugs taken in the community,
Hepatitis C and HIV/Aids which all have to be paid for. These
are some of the biggest killers in Scotland which have a prevalence
amongst lower income groups and a greater take-up of medicines
could play an enormous part in saving Scottish citizens from the
worst effects of these diseases.
Mental Health treatments also have to be paid
for once patients are released from hospitals, even if they are
subject to a Compulsory Treatment Order.
Situation in Wales
The Welsh Assembly is committed to the phased
abolition of prescription charges by 2007. Wales already provides
free prescriptions to 16-25 year olds and as of 1October 2004
the price of a prescription fell to £5 in Wales. A further price
drop took place in 2005 and another one is due in 2006. Given
the adverse state of Scotland's health UNISON believes that we
must give this issue as much priority as the Welsh Assembly has
done in Wales.
Conclusion
We note the Executive's intention to issue a
consultation document on their review of NHS prescription charges
and exemption arrangements on Wednesday of this week. While the
review is to be welcomed, is has come rather late in the day and
for this reason we urge MSPs to support this Bill at Stage 1 so
that its merits can be properly considered at Stage 2.
For further information contact:
Dave Watson, Scottish Organiser d.watson@unison.co.uk
Tel. 07787 558410
Diane Anderson, Information Development Officer
diane.anderson@unison.col.uk
0141 342 2842
Scottish
Executive | Scottish Parliament | Briefings Home
|
