NEW RESEARCH ON PRESCRIPTION CHARGES IS BLOW TO TORY POLICY
New research has shown that the total abolition of prescription charges in Wales has not led to an increase in dispensing rates. On the contrary, the increase of monthly dispensing rates in Wales was less than that in North East England during the period of the study.
The research was accepted by the journal of International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research led by Dr David Cohen and five other experts in the fields of health and economics.
The paper was circulated to all Members of the Health and Sport Committee.
Former GP and Member of the Health & Sport Committee Ian McKee MSP said:
"I welcome this research which shows that abolishing prescription charges will not lead to an overwhelming rise in dispensing rates.
"Quite the opposite, Wales shows that dispensing rates were lower than in North East England during the period of the study.
"There is absolutely no evidence to suggest that abolishing prescription charges leads to a rise in dispensing. And there is no reason to suggest why this research would not apply to Scotland.
"This paper totally contradicts the Conservative party policy on prescription charges and their constant scaremongering on the issue.
"It shows that the SNP Government's intention to abolish this unfair tax on health is the correct one and that it would not create any significant financial burdens.
In Wales, prescription charges were completely abolished in April 2007.The research paper is due to be published later this month but can already be purchased online:
http://www3.interscience.
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