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Prescription costs frozen in NI | Prescription costs frozen in NI |
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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. |
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." |