Prescriptions: Targeting money better than NHS free for all

12.41.35pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 23rd Jan 2007

As the Government pushes for free prescriptions this week, Jenny Randerson AM has issued a warning on NHS budgets.

Mrs Randerson, Welsh Liberal Democrat Health spokesperson said: "Free prescriptions for all sounds great on an election leaflet, but in reality the drugs budget is finite.

"Free prescriptions will mean more people claiming for minor ailments and less people getting the help they need. This will lead to more demands on GP time, longer GP waiting lists and less money for expensive new cancer drugs.

"The Welsh Liberal Democrats have long argued more responsible health spending, such as targeting free prescriptions for people with chronic conditions. I believe it would be better to expand the list to cover those people who need frequent prescriptions.

"When vital drugs and treatments for Breast and Prostate Cancer are not being funded it is difficult to justify free prescriptions for everybody.

We are now in a situation where the better off can get free medicine for minor ailments when they can afford some of the cost.

"We will be abstaining on the vote today, because this is not the best way to manage health budgets in Wales."

Notes/Nodiadau:

The Welsh Liberal Democrats will be abstaining on today's vote on free prescriptions for all in the National Assembly for Wales.

Ends/Diwedd

Contact: Andrew Sherwood 02920 898324