Free prescriptions 'tantamount to free Beechams Powders for millionaires'

Written by Jenny Randerson and published in Cardiff Post on Thu 25th Jan 2007

Free prescriptions for all in Wales are voted through this week. Sounds good on the surface doesn't it? But beneath the headlines for this ill advised policy there are problems. The Welsh Liberal Democrats have always thought there were better ways of spending precious NHS funds.

Most vulnerable groups including those with chronic conditions already receive free prescriptions. Our view is that it is better to expand the list of chronic illnesses to cover those who have frequent prescriptions. Prescriptions in Wales are already much cheaper then in England. When vital drugs and treatments for Breast and Prostate Cancer are not being funded it is difficult to justify free prescriptions for absolutely everybody.

We are now in a situation where the better off can get free medicine for minor ailments when they can afford some of the cost. As a result there is likely to be an increase in demand on GP time as people go to the doctor rather than paying the chemist.

Now the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry have agreed with us that the drugs budget is finite and is likely to be drained by the demand from minor ailments. This leaves less funds for life saving medicines such as the expensive new cancer drugs.

The Labour Assembly Government would have been better rolling out a new system which enables more pharmacists and nurses to prescribe. This is more convenient for the patient and frees up valuable time for GPs. The legislation exists but government is slow in providing the training and publicity to make it happen.

See www.jennyranderson.com for new, views and information on a variety of issues affecting the people of Cardiff.