PRESS STATEMENT – PRESS STATEMENT – PRESS STATEMENT

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SDLP MLA BURNS: DISAPPOINTED BY LACK OF PROGRESS ON PRESCRIPTION CHARGES

Commenting on the issue of the abolition of prescription charges SDLP South Antrim MLA Thomas Burns said,

“A year ago the Minster for Health, Social Services and Public Safety agreed with Members of the Assembly that a review of the prescription charging scheme system was needed due to the inequities and anomalies in the system.

“Unfortunately a year on the concerns which were brought to the Minister’s attention still exist in what remains an outdated and inconsistent charging system.

“In April this year Minister McGimpsey put a freeze on prescription charges.

This move is something I welcomed as it is a relief to a number of people including those with chronic conditions who don't presently get help with prescriptions. Freezing the charges is helpful to those suffering from illnesses, such as cancer, who may be are on several different medications for a considerable period and for those people who are just over the benefit threshold and struggle to pay for everything. The SDLP want more than a freeze on charges, we want these groups to have free prescriptions immediately.”

“I assume that the Department of Health are evaluating the cost of administering the means-tested prescription scheme against the cost of making prescriptions free across the board. The Department should also be working on other cost-reduction measures, such as reduced prescribing across the board, including antibiotics, and use of generic drugs.”

“The SDLP want delivery on this issue, there should not be a tax on sick people who cannot afford essential medication.”

ENDS