02/04/2008
Prescription Charges Frozen, Minister Announces
Prescription charges in Northern Ireland are to be frozen, Executive Health Minister Michael McGimpsey has announced.
The decision follows the Department of Health in England's recent announcement of an increase of five pence in prescription charges from 1 April 2008.
Mr McGimpsey said: "Last year, I requested a review into the abolition of prescription charges in Northern Ireland. I have now received the report from the review group, and am currently considering a range of options for the future of prescription charges.
"In the interim, I can reassure the public that I have frozen prescription charges and there will be no increase at this time.
"It is vital that those who need medication aren't compelled to pay higher costs; an increase in prescription charges could deter some people from having their prescriptions dispensed, either in part or entirely."
He concluded: "I am committed to providing a world class health service, from the cradle to the grave, and this freeze on charges is further good news for the people of Northern Ireland."
Meanwhile, SDLP's Carmel Hanna said prescriptions should be free.
"I'm sure the department is doing the costing and the comparisons because there's a lot of money spent on administration," she said.
"They might be better actually looking at reducing prescribing altogether, especially antibiotics, and looking at using all generic medication and saving money."
(JM/KMcA)
The decision follows the Department of Health in England's recent announcement of an increase of five pence in prescription charges from 1 April 2008.
Mr McGimpsey said: "Last year, I requested a review into the abolition of prescription charges in Northern Ireland. I have now received the report from the review group, and am currently considering a range of options for the future of prescription charges.
"In the interim, I can reassure the public that I have frozen prescription charges and there will be no increase at this time.
"It is vital that those who need medication aren't compelled to pay higher costs; an increase in prescription charges could deter some people from having their prescriptions dispensed, either in part or entirely."
He concluded: "I am committed to providing a world class health service, from the cradle to the grave, and this freeze on charges is further good news for the people of Northern Ireland."
Meanwhile, SDLP's Carmel Hanna said prescriptions should be free.
"I'm sure the department is doing the costing and the comparisons because there's a lot of money spent on administration," she said.
"They might be better actually looking at reducing prescribing altogether, especially antibiotics, and looking at using all generic medication and saving money."
(JM/KMcA)
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