PRESS STATEMENT – PRESS STATEMENT – PRESS STATEMENT

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SDLP MLA BURNS: END TAX ON SICK
 

SDLP South Antrim MLA Thomas has commented on the decision to freeze prescription charges in Northern Ireland.

Speaking today he said: “I very much welcome this decision. This move will be something of a relief to a number of groups, especially those with chronic conditions who don't presently get help with prescriptions.

“Furthermore it will be a great help to those suffering from cancer, who may be on several different medications for a considerable period of time, and those just over the benefit threshold who struggle to pay for everything.

“These groups must receive free prescriptions immediately. There should not be a tax on sick people, especially when they are struggling to pay for several different medicines.

“A high proportion of the population (60 %+) are already entitled to free prescriptions. The Department of Health now must evaluate the cost of administering the means-tested prescription scheme against the cost of making prescriptions free across the board. Money should be spent on treating patients, not administering complicated and pointless bureaucracy.

“The Department should also be working on other cost-reduction measures, such as reduced prescribing overall, including antibiotics, and they should also investigate the savings which can be made from increasing use of generic rather than ‘brand-named’ drugs.”

ENDS