For immediate release

On the 14^th anniversary of prescription charges being scrapped by the Scottish Government, Rutherglen Constituency MSP, Clare Haughey, has highlighted that the policy saves the average household in Scotland over £400 a year.

Latest figures from the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe) show that over 114 million prescriptions were dispensed in Scotland in 2023/24, including 15.8 million in Lanarkshire – an average of 20.8 prescriptions per person. 

Based on the £9.90 charge currently in place in England, this means that the average household in Scotland saved £436.72 in 2023/24 because of the policy.

A report by Trussell Trust last year showed that in England, 68% of working households receiving Universal Credit have gone without essentials, such as prescription medication, due to the costs involved. 

Further, the Royal Pharmaceutical Society have reported that the cost of living crisis meant that patients in England were not collecting their prescriptions or asking what they could “do without”, stating “we are deeply concerned that people are having to make choices about their health based on their ability to pay.  No one should have to make choices about rationing their medicines and no one should be faced with a financial barrier to getting the medicines they need.”

Commenting, Clare Haughey said:

“The SNP Scottish Government is proud to have abolished prescription charges in Scotland, ensuring that everyone in Lanarkshire has access to the medication they require based on their needs rather than the ability to pay.

“Healthcare should be free at the point of use for everyone, and prescription charges are nothing more that a tax on ill health.

“In the face of soaring energy bills, despite the UK Government’s promise to bring them down, people in Rutherglen and Cambuslang are still living through a cost-of-living crisis. 

“This makes it more important than ever that they can access the medical treatment they need without worrying about the cost, and the Scottish Government are continuing to protect them from having to pay for their vital medication.”

ENDS