EVIDENCE NEEDED ON BENEFIT OF REDUCTION IN PRESCRIPTION CHARGES - FINNIE

Written by Ross Finnie on Wed 28th Jan 2009

EVIDENCE NEEDED ON BENEFIT OF REDUCTION IN PRESCRIPTION CHARGES - FINNIE

Liberal Democrat Health spokesperson Ross Finnie MSP has called on the Scottish Government to provide detailed evidence that a reduction in prescription charges will benefit those with long term conditions.

Scottish Government statistics have revealed that the number of Prescription Pre-payment Certificates (PPCs) bought by patients in Scotland has doubled following a 51 per cent reduction in the cost of prescription charges.

Commenting, Mr Finnie said:

"A switch from single prescriptions to Prescription Pre-payment Certificates does not necessarily prove the benefit of this policy.

"Liberal Democrats want to see Ministers provide clear evidence that it is in fact those with long term conditions who are benefiting most from the reduction in prescription charges and not just a general increase in prescribed drugs."

Ends.