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Prescription costs frozen in NI Prescription costs frozen in NI
(30 minutes later)
The cost of prescriptions in Northern Ireland is being frozen because health policy is devolved to the assembly. The cost of prescriptions in Northern Ireland is being frozen.
Prescription costs used to be linked to England, where medication now costs £7.10. Instead prescriptions will still cost £6.85 in Northern Ireland.Prescription costs used to be linked to England, where medication now costs £7.10. Instead prescriptions will still cost £6.85 in Northern Ireland.
However, Scotland has reduced the cost to £5, the first of several price drops which will lead to free prescriptions in 2011. The move was announced by Health Minister Michael McGimpsey. He said he was considering a range of options for the future of prescription charges.
Scotland has reduced the cost to £5, the first of several price drops leading to free prescriptions in 2011.
Wales introduced free prescriptions for all in April 2007.Wales introduced free prescriptions for all in April 2007.
Mr McGimpsey said: "Last year, I requested a review into the abolition of prescription charges in Northern Ireland.
"I have now received the report from the review group, and am currently considering a range of options for the future of prescription charges.
"In the interim, I can reasure the public that I have frozen prescription charges and there will be no increase at this time.
"It is vital that those who need medication aren't compelled to pay higher costs; an increase in prescription charges could deter some people from having their prescriptions dispensed, either in part or entirely."