Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Cost of living impacts access to prescription medicines – RPS says

“Prescription charges are an unfair tax on health which disadvantages working people on lower incomes who are already struggling with food and energy bills� – Thorrun Govind, Chair of Royal Pharmaceutical Society in England

Cost of living impacts access to prescription medicines – RPS says

The results of a survey conducted by The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) have revealed that pharmacists in England are reporting that the rising cost of living is affecting patients' ability to pay for their prescribed medications.

According to the RPS, the survey was conducted among its community pharmacist members in England, which was open from November 29th to December 5th. The survey reportedly received 269 responses from participants.


Half of the pharmacists who participated in the survey reported an increase in patients inquiring about which medicines they can skip due to financial concerns, in the past six months.

Meanwhile, one in two pharmacists indicated an increase in patients not collecting their prescriptions. Additionally, two out of three of the pharmacists reported an increase in being asked if there are cheaper over-the-counter alternatives for their prescribed medicines.

The introduction of prescription reportedly charges dates back to 1952, with some exemptions being established in 1968. However, these exemptions have not been reviewed in over 55 years.

Thus, the RPS has long campaigned for the removal of prescription charges for individuals with long-term conditions in England, as they pose a financial obstacle to patients accessing the essential medicines, they need to maintain their health.

Currently, the charge per item prescribed stands at £9.35, with an annual increase usually taking place in April.

Speaking about the dire situation, Chair of the RPS in England Thorrun Govind is quoted as saying, “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.

“Prescription charges are an unfair tax on health which disadvantages working people on lower incomes who are already struggling with food and energy bills.

“Reducing access to medicines leads to poorer health, time off work and can result in admissions to hospital, the cost of which must be set against any income gained from prescription charges.

“Prescriptions have been free for people in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland for many years. We urgently need an overhaul of the system in England to ensure it supports access to medicines for people with long-term conditions at the sharp end of the cost of living crisis.

“Ultimately we want to see the prescription charge abolished for people with long-term conditions so medicines are free to access in England, just like they are in the rest of the UK.”

The following tips can help you save money on your medications:

If you require multiple medications, you may reportedly find it more economical to purchase a prescription "season ticket," also known as a prescription prepayment certificate, offered by the NHS. This certificate will prove to be cost-effective if you need more than 3 items in 3 months or 11 items in 12 months.

Enquire with your pharmacist if there is a cheaper, equivalent medication that can be purchased over-the-counter.

Consult your pharmacist or GP to evaluate your medicines and ensure they are suitable and that you derive the maximum benefit from them.

More For You

Donald-Trump

Speaking from the Oval Office on Friday, Trump said the US has been economically and financially 'ripped off' by several countries, including India. (Photo: Getty Images)

Trump says India has agreed to reduce tariffs

US PRESIDENT Donald Trump said India has agreed to reduce its tariffs "way down," reiterating his claim that the country imposes high tariffs on American products, making trade difficult.

Speaking from the Oval Office on Friday, Trump said the US has been economically and financially "ripped off" by several countries, including India.

Keep ReadingShow less
Rachel-Reeves-Getty

Reeves is expected to announce welfare spending cuts worth billions of pounds in the Labour government's Spring Statement on March 26. (Photo: Getty Images)

Welfare system too costly, needs reform: Rachel Reeves

CHANCELLOR Rachel Reeves said on Friday that the UK’s welfare system is "costing too much" and must be reformed as the government faces financial pressures from high inflation and borrowing.

Reeves is expected to announce welfare spending cuts worth billions of pounds in the Labour government's Spring Statement on March 26. The statement will be a follow-up to her first budget last October, according to reports this week.

Keep ReadingShow less
Thousands stranded as World War II bomb halts travel

Passengers queue to take a bus from Opera district, in order to reach Paris Charles-de-Gaulle Airport (CDG), as train traffic has been stopped at the Gare du Nord station in Paris on March 7, 2025, following the discovery of a World War II bomb. (Photo by GEOFFROY VAN DER HASSELT/AFP via Getty Images)

Thousands stranded as World War II bomb halts travel

THOUSANDS of passengers in Paris and London were stranded on Friday (7) after the discovery of a World War II bomb on tracks leading to the Gare du Nord station halted traffic at France's busiest railway terminus.

All traffic to the train station, which serves international, high-speed and local connections, was halted as police worked to disable the device. All Eurostar trains in Paris were cancelled.

Keep ReadingShow less
Kyle-Clifford-Reuters

Clifford had previously pleaded guilty to the murders of BBC sports commentator John Hunt’s wife and two daughters at their home in northwest of London, in July 2024. (Photo: Hertfordshire Police /Handout via REUTERS)

Crossbow murderer found guilty of raping ex-girlfriend

A 26-YEAR-OLD man who murdered three women in a crossbow and stabbing attack has been found guilty of raping one of them, his ex-girlfriend, a British court ruled on Thursday.

Kyle Clifford had previously pleaded guilty to the murders of BBC sports commentator John Hunt’s wife and two daughters at their home in Bushey, northwest of London, in July 2024.

Keep ReadingShow less
modern-slavery-reuters

A suspected victim of modern slavery, who was initially denied state support after Britain introduced a tougher immigration policy, poses for a portrait following an interview with Reuters in London on September 19, 2024. (Photo: Reuters)

UK sees record rise in modern slavery cases

THE NUMBER of people referred as potential victims of modern slavery in the UK reached a record high last year, according to official figures released on Thursday. Experts have called for urgent policy changes to tackle the growing issue.

Home Office data showed 19,125 referrals were made to the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) in 2024, the highest recorded so far. The figure surpassed the previous record of around 17,000 referrals in 2023. The NRM is the UK's system for identifying and supporting victims of modern slavery.

Keep ReadingShow less