Healthcare professionals back exemption for anyone with a long-term condition in England

Two thirds of primary care health professionals think that the current exemption criteria for prescription charges in England should be widened to include anyone with a long term condition, reveal the results of a survey commissioned by   Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin (DTB).   

 Nearly 90% think that prescription charges deter some patients from requesting or ‘cashing’ prescriptions.

These findings add further weight to what is already a very strong case for reform of the criteria for medical exemption from charges.  

Our research shows that the cost of prescriptions is significantly affecting people’s ability to manage their long term condition effectively and to work. This is leading to worsening health, further cost to the NHS, and days off work. The criteria for medical exemption, set as long ago as 1968, are now strikingly outdated and highly inequitable. Reform, to include all long term conditions, is well overdue.”

The  full survey results can be found  here.