TORIES FAVOUR CHEAP BOOZE OVER CHEAP PRESCRIPTIONS.

TORIES FAVOUR CHEAP BOOZE OVER CHEAP PRESCRIPTIONS.

THREAT TO FREE PRESCRIPTIONS EXPOSES TORY AGENDA

The SNP has today condemned the Tories attitude to Scotland’s health as the Tories attempt to block further reductions in prescription charges for people across Scotland including those with long term conditions.

At the same time the Tories have spoken out in favour of the cut price alcohol that costs Scotland’s health service over £1 million a day.

The Scottish Government will tomorrow put forward regulations to reduce prescription costs will reduce from £5 to £4 in April and pre-payment certificates for people with long term conditions from £48 to £38.

The Scottish Tories have put forward a motion opposing this reduction in charges.

SNP MSP, former GP and Health Committee member Dr Ian McKee said;

“Last week the Tories defended the cheap booze that costs our NHS over a million a day – today they are opposing reducing the prescription charges that tax the sick.

“Reducing prescription charges has helped people gain access to the vital medicines they need and the SNP is determined to see prescription charges abolished completely in 2011.

“Favouring cheap booze over cheap prescriptions is a disgrace for any political party and all those with long term conditions who rely on their prescriptions will be astonished by this move.

“Instead of supporting the SNP in reducing and abolishing this tax on ill health the Tory party think the sick should pay for essential medicines while people continue to buy booze on the cheap.

“The Tories will never be trusted in Scotland and this attempt to prevent real help for people, especially during recession, exposes their true colours.”