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| Version 1 | Version 2 |
|---|---|
| Prescription charges abolished in Scotland | Prescription charges abolished in Scotland |
| (about 4 hours later) | |
| England is now the only part of the UK still charging for some prescriptions after Scotland joined Northern Ireland and Wales in abolishing the fees. | England is now the only part of the UK still charging for some prescriptions after Scotland joined Northern Ireland and Wales in abolishing the fees. |
| About half a million people in Scotland should benefit from the change brought in by the SNP government. | About half a million people in Scotland should benefit from the change brought in by the SNP government. |
| It comes on the same day charges per item rise in England by 20p to £7.40. | It comes on the same day charges per item rise in England by 20p to £7.40. |
| The NHS in England raises more than £450m a year from the charges but some doctors and patients' groups want free prescriptions across the UK. | The NHS in England raises more than £450m a year from the charges but some doctors and patients' groups want free prescriptions across the UK. |
| The British Medical Association and the Patients Association have both campaigned for the change. | The British Medical Association and the Patients Association have both campaigned for the change. |
| Some 90% of items dispensed in England are exempt from charges but the NHS says the income from the remaining 10% would pay for 18,000 nurses. | Some 90% of items dispensed in England are exempt from charges but the NHS says the income from the remaining 10% would pay for 18,000 nurses. |
| Prescription charges have been falling in Scotland for the last three years and stood at £3 before today's change, which will mean the Scottish government losing out on £57m a year. | Prescription charges have been falling in Scotland for the last three years and stood at £3 before today's change, which will mean the Scottish government losing out on £57m a year. |
| Under devolution, Wales was the first part of the UK to make prescriptions free - four years ago - and Northern Ireland followed in 2010. | Under devolution, Wales was the first part of the UK to make prescriptions free - four years ago - and Northern Ireland followed in 2010. |
| Prescriptions were free for all when the NHS was set up in 1948. | Prescriptions were free for all when the NHS was set up in 1948. |
| What is your reaction to Scotland abolishing prescription charges? Send us your comments using the form below. |