SCRAP: Scottish Campaign to Remove All Prescription Charges
Colin Fox, Scottish Socialist MSP for the Lothians, is introducing a bill into the Scottish Parliament to scrap prescription charges. The campaign to support this move has now got a website. Check it out for full details.
Aims and Objectives of the Bill
* The main objective of the Bill is to provide free access to all people who require drugs, medicines or appliances, or pharmaceutical services regardless of their medical condition or their ability to pay.
* Abolition of the current charging scheme removes the need to grant exemptions to sufferers of designated chronic conditions. The Bill will ensure greater fairness by enabling all sufferers of chronic illnesses (whether designated or not) and those who require drugs, medicines or appliances to cope with their conditions by obtaining free prescriptions.
* This approach will also address the inequity of the current remission arrangements particularly for those who cannot afford prescription charges and yet fail to meet the criteria to receive assistance.
* The Bill should contribute to the overall health and well-being of those living in Scotland.
* The abolition of prescription charges will bring Scotland in line with Wales, where their First Minister Rhodri Morgan confirmed in June 2003 that the Welsh Labour administration will fulfill its election manifesto pledge to abolish all prescription charges by 2007.
