In a significant announcement, the English government has declared that prescription charges will be frozen at £9.90 for the fiscal year 2025-26. This is the first freeze since 2022 and applies only to England, as prescriptions remain free in other parts of the UK. While nearly 90% of prescriptions in England are dispensed without charge due to existing exemptions, some advocate for a review of the exemption list, as many with long-term conditions remain uncovered under outdated guidelines.
Rachel Power, chief executive of the Patients Association, emphasized that freezing prescription charges is a "positive step" but fails to address "deep inequalities" in the system.
With nearly three million people in England facing long-term conditions that arenât recognized by exemption criteria, the need for a comprehensive review is clear.
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