SPF chair, James Semple, gave this
warning in a letter to the Committee which is considering a member’s bill* from Colin Fox MSP to abolish such charges.
Mr Semple told the Committee the SPF believes the current system of NHS prescription
charges is over-complex and characterised by inconsistency. In recognition of this,
he says: “It is necessary to have a complete reform of the system. We fully support
such a simplification and also the retention of some exempt categories. We believe
prescription charges should be affordable to everyone either through low-income
exemptions or by a simple ‘season ticket’ system for the chronically ill, similar to
that which currently exists.”
A copy of the full text of James Semple submission to the Health Committee may be
found at www.scottishpharmacy.org.uk/consultdetail.asp?ID=19.
*Abolition of NHS Prescription Charges (Scotland) Bill
Notes to editors
If you would like to arrange an interview then please contact Bob Cuddihy on 0131
467 3301 or 07774 895048. Alternatively, you can telephone the SPF office on 0141
270 9070 or email us at spf@npanet.co.uk
The Scottish Pharmaceutical Federation is the trade association which represents the
professional and commercial interests of the owners of the vast majority of
Scotland’s community pharmacies, and is the principal body representing the
community pharmacy sector.
YOU too can post a media release on allmediascotland.com. For more information, email here.
Contact: Bob Cuddihy on 0131 467 3301 or 07774 895048. Alternatively, you can telephone the SPF office on 0141 270 9070 or email us at spf@npanet.co.uk
