Abolish Prescription charges
I see the BMA has again called for the scrapping of prescription charges. 
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7925167.stm
On the whole I think that the system of who gets free prescriptions should be looked at and I have no problem with all patients with long term conditions receiving free prescriptions. My problems lies with the significant proportion of patients who would “abuse” the system.
The experience in Wales is that GP’s time is being wasted by the 32 Paracetamol brigade who take up GP’s time for something they could buy for 20p at the pharmacy (Price Chemist Direct 5.3.09). I have three ideas:
- Bring in free prescriptions for every item that costs over £2.50 (For £2.50 replace a reasonable figure)
- For every transaction with the NHS issue a receipt for the value of the treatment e.g. A 10 minute GP consultations costs the NHS £40. So the 32 paracetamol brigade would see that the 20p paracetamol actually cost £40.20
- Black list cheap items rather than expensive ones and make patients obtain these items via a minor ailments scheme at the local pharmacy. Of course ensuring that the pharmacy is properly remunerated for their time.
The current system isn’t fair and could be improved but I’m not sure if free prescriptions is the answer. What do you think?
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Category: Default, Health News, Pharmacy News
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