Scottish Government
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Abolition of prescription charges

Proposals to abolish prescription charges were announced today.

In April of next year (2008) prescription charges will be reduced to £5.00, 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). Ms Sturgeon today also encouraged all those who need to use regular medication to use PPCs.

For single prescriptions the costs will be:-

  • April 08 : down from ££6.85 to £5.00
  • April 09 : down to £4.00
  • April 10 : down to £3.00
  • Free from April 2011

For PPCs which cover a person's total prescription costs over a 12 month period:-

  • April 08 : down from £98.70 to £48
  • April 09 : down to £38
  • April 10 : down to £28
  • Free from April 2011.

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.

"There are two key elements to our proposals. From April 1, 2008 we intend to deliver the first stage of our commitment to abolish prescription charges by reducing the cost a single prescription to £5.00. All prescriptions will be free from April 2011.

"The second will deliver even greater benefit for people with chronic conditions. Currently people who need a regular supply of medication can reduce their costs by purchasing a Prescription Pre-Payment Certificate (PPC). These PPCs can be purchased for either a four or 12 month period and cover all prescriptions needed within that period.

"It is to provide additional help for people with chronic conditions that we will from April next year reduce the cost of both 4 and 12 month PPCs by over 50 per cent- a cut of over £50.00 on a 12-month prescription bill for people with a chronic condition using PPCs.

"This substantial reduction in the cost of PPCs is the simplest and most effective way of providing direct financial support to people with chronic conditions.

"While PPCs will be redundant from April 2011 I want to take this opportunity to encourage all people who have chronic conditions and need to use regular medication to use PPCs until then.

"I believe that introducing this substantial reduction in the costs of PPCs - in addition to the cuts for single prescriptions - is the simplest and most effective way of providing faster relief from prescription charges for people with chronic conditions."

Provision for the cost of the proposals has been made in the Spending Review allowing £20m, £32m and £45m for the three financial years from 2008-09.

Prices During the Phased Abolition of Prescription Charges

Prescription pre-payment certificates:
PPC 4 month Current cost £35.85
2008-09 £17.00; 2009-10 £13.00; 2010-11 £10.00; from April 2011 Zero

Prescription pre-payment certificates:
PPC 12 month Current cost £98.70
2008-09 £48.00; 2009-10 £38.00; 2010-11 £28.00; from April 2011 Zero

Cost of single prescriptions:
Current Cost £6.85
2008-09 £5.00; 2009-10 £4.00; 2010-11 £3.00; from April 2011 Zero

Currently under charge exemption rules around 50 per cent of the population qualify for free prescriptions. Around 92 per cent (68 million) of items dispensed in Scotland are supplied to patients free of charge.

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