NHS patients face an "unbearable decision" as prescription charges are set to rise next month, with new rules coming into effect from May. This increase is another Cost of Living blow to many UK households already struggling with their finances.
Janet Morrison, chief executive of Community Pharmacy England, has labelled the upcoming hike in NHS prescription costs as "bad news" for numerous patients. Janet shared: "As the cost of living continues to put strain on the most vulnerable in society, many patients will have to make unbearable decisions about which medicines they can afford to pay for."
Ms Morrison expressed her opposition to the charge, describing it as a "tax on the vulnerable". The prescription charges are expected to see an approximate 3 per cent rise.
READ MORE Huge seaside revamp work 'ignores basic common sense'
READ MORE Devon funeral notices: Torquay man, 43, dies after 'truly amazing life'
From 1 May 2024, the charges for prescriptions and prescription prepayment certificates (PPCs) will see a 2.59 per cent increase (rounded to the nearest 5 pence). Similarly, charges for wigs and fabric supports will be subject to the same rate of increase.
The cost for each prescribed medicine or appliance will reach £9.90, marking a 25 pence rise. The price for a three-month PPC will be set at £32.05, while the annual PPC will cost £114.50, reports Birmingham Live.
The new hormone replacement therapy (HRT) PPC would cost patients £19.80, marking an increase of 50 pence since this rate is set exactly two times the single prescription charge.
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson expressed: "Almost nine in ten items are available for free on the NHS in England and we provide a wide range of support to ensure everyone who needs a prescription can afford it.
"Those on a low income, aged over 60 or with qualifying medical conditions like cancer, epilepsy and diabetes all qualify for exemptions, as do children and pregnant women. Where charges are in place, it is important prices are regularly updated to ensure the NHS maintains a sustainable business model and can continue to deliver excellent patient care."
