6 APRIL 2010
IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SNP FAIL CANCER PATIENTS ON PRESCRIPTIONS

Dumfries MSP Elaine Murray has said it is unfair and unjust that Scotland is now the only part of the UK where people with cancer have to pay for prescriptions.

People with cancer in England have been eligible for free prescriptions since April 1, 2009. According to the Department of Health, up to 150,000 patients in England are benefiting, saving as much £100 a year on prescription charges.

All prescriptions are free in Wales and since last week prescriptions have been free in Northern Ireland.

However, cancer patients in Scotland will continue to be charged for prescriptions until 2011.

Elaine Murray MSP said: “It is unfair and unjust that patients in Dumfries and Galloway suffering from cancer have to pay for prescriptions when they are free only a few miles away across the border. The SNP, supported by the Tories, have let Scotland fall behind the rest of the UK.

“In England this commitment is being funded by reducing the cost of the drugs bill in the NHS by bulk-buying and the use of cheaper generic products.”

“In their 2007 manifesto the SNP promised to immediately abolish prescription charges for people with cancer but this has been delayed until 2011.

“Yet another broken promise, yet more people who feel let down by the SNP. They promised to immediately remove prescription charges for cancer patients, but ditched the policy once they got into power.”

ENDS