'Con' claim on free prescriptions

More than 93% of items dispensed by pharmacists in Wales were already free before prescription charges were scrapped, according to figures.

Universal free prescription charges is a key Welsh Assembly Government policy.

The Welsh Conservatives, who obtained the figures, say they expose the policy as an "expensive con trick".

But a spokesperson for First Minister Rhodri Morgan said that was "utter nonsense," and those earning lower pay benefitted.

The Conservatives say the policy subsides those who can afford to pay anyway and they have called for a review.

"Rather than targeting resources at people with long-term health conditions, ministers have introduced a policy which subsidises the well-off"
Jonathan Morgan AM, Conservative

Prescription charges in Wales were abolished in April 2007, at a cost of £29.5m in the first year.

But in the financial years before that the figures show more than 93% of items were already exempt.

The list of those who could receive prescriptions free of charge included people on benefit, those aged over 60 and children.

Welsh Conservative health spokesman Jonathan Morgan said: "These are truly shocking figures which expose the myths surrounding the assembly government's flagship health policy.

"More than nine out of every 10 items dispensed by pharmacists were already free when charges were abolished last year.

"Rather than targeting resources at people with long-term health conditions, ministers have introduced a policy which subsidises the well-off."

THOSE EXEMPT FROM PAYING BEFORE FREE PRESCRIPTIONS

• People aged 60 and over
• People under 25
• People eligible under the low income scheme
• People with certain medical conditions

But a spokesperson for First Minister Rhodri Morgan said: "Free prescriptions ensure people are not put off getting the medicines they need due to cost.

"The people that gain are not those in higher paid jobs, but those in relatively low paid employment such as cleaners, carers and catering staff."

When the free prescriptions policy was introduced it prompted front page headlines in newspapers such as the Daily Express, which ran a headline "Prescriptions free for everyone, but only if you live in Wales."

Rhodri Morgan said at the time: "We have never actually managed to make the English jealous before... but we have done it."

In England individual prescription charges cost £7.10, but 89% of prescriptions are dispensed free.

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