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Prescription charges abolished in Scotland Prescription charges abolished in Scotland
(about 1 hour 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. Scotland has joined Northern Ireland and Wales in abolishing prescription fees - leaving England as the only part of the UK to charge for them.
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. But despite the charge 90% of items dispensed are given out free as children, those on low incomes and cancer patients are exempt.
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.
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, but charges were introduced in the early 1950s to plug gaps in funding.
What is your reaction to Scotland abolishing prescription charges? Send us your comments using the form below. The Department of Health defended its policy of charging.
It said the fees raised more than £450m a year - equivalent to the salary costs of 18,000 nurses or 3,500 hospital consultants.
A spokesman said: "This income helps the NHS to maintain vital services for patients."
And she added alongside the exemptions those needing regular prescriptions, such as patients with long-term conditions, were eligible for discounted rates.
"The price of the 12-month prescription pre-payment certificate will be frozen for the second year running. This allows people to get all the prescriptions they need for an average cost of £2 per week."


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