FREE PRESCRIPTIONS FOR LONG-TERM CONDITIONS

Early day motion 566, tabled 26 January 2009 by Neil Gerrard (Labour). Signed by 181 members.

That this House is concerned that large numbers of people with long-term conditions are struggling to afford vital medication and that some are unable to pay; welcomes the commitment given by the Prime Minister in September 2008 to abolish prescription charges for people with cancer from April 2009 and for people with long-term conditions over the next few years; notes that the new Pharmaceutical Price Regulation Scheme will deliver substantial savings to the NHS drugs budget; further welcomes the announcement that Professor Ian Gilmore will conduct a review to consider how to implement this policy; and supports the Campaign for Free Prescriptions for Long-term Conditions in urging the Government to abolish prescription charges for all people with all long-term conditions before the next General Election.

Signatures by party: Labour 98, Liberal Democrat 49, Conservative 18, DUP 6, Independent 4, Social Democratic and Labour Party 3, Independent Labour 1, Plaid Cymru 1, Respect 1.