Abolition of prescription charges

Everyone living in Scotland will benefit from the proposals to abolish prescription charges announced before Christmas by the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing Nicola Sturgeon.

In April of next year (2008) prescription charges will be reduced to five pounds, a cut of over 25 per cent, with further phased reduction towards a total abolition of the charges in 2011.

Those people who suffer from chronic or long-term conditions will also benefit from an over 50 per cent cut in the cost of prescription pre-payment certificates (PPCs).
New costs:
April 08 : £5
April 09 : £4
April 10 : £3

Confirming the proposals to abolish the charges, Ms Sturgeon said:”Prescription charges are a tax on ill health, and can be a barrier to good health for too many people. This Scottish Government is committed to building a healthier nation; through tackling the health inequalities that still scar our nation and supporting people to live longer and lead healthier lives.”

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