The Prescription Charges Coalition, led by Crohn’s & Colitis UK, has issued a statement in response to proposals from the Barker Commission. The Commission recommends some fundamental changes to prescription charges in order to raise a potential additional £1 billion revenue for the NHS. These include the introduction of a flat rate £2.50 charge, the removal of all medical and low income exemptions and a cap on expenditure.
At the same time, the report rejects the introduction of additional charges, for example, for visits to GPs or for specific treatments or procedures, on the basis that these could deter people from seeking medical care and undermine the fundamental principles of the NHS.
The Coalition do support their recognition that the current system is deeply flawed and their call for a review of prescription charges, as well as their acknowledgement that charges of this kind are likely to result in barriers to accessing treatment.
The Prescription Charges Coalition is a group of more than 30 organisations campaigning to end unfair prescription charges for people with long-term medical conditions.
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The Barker commission was established by the King’s Fund (an independent health think tank), and asked to independently consider whether the post-war settlement, which established separate systems for health and social care, remains fit for purpose.
