Early day motion tabled by primary sponsor Paul Marsden (Liberal Democrat), on Tuesday, 18 June 2002, in the House of Commons. It is signed by 57 members in total.

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FREE PRESCRIPTIONS FOR THE CHRONICALLY ILL

That this House notes that the existence of prescription charges is a serious barrier to access to health care, particularly for those suffering from chronic conditions such as asthma, cystic fibrosis, Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis; further notes that the regulations specifying conditions that qualify for exemption have not changed since 1968 and that the Wanless Report described the current situation as 'not logical, nor rooted in the principles of the NHS'; also notes that the Government, in opposition, said that 'we will seek to provide free medication as part of ongoing or long-term requirements' but that they have failed to do so; and calls upon Government to fulfil this commitment and to extend the provision of free presciptions to all those with long-term medical conditions.

Amendments

The Early day motion has received 3 amendments.

1469A2

after 'sclerosis', insert 'and for those who are permanently dependent on pain-killers as a result of, for example, amputation or arachroiditis'.

1469A3

at end add 'and to investigate the feasibility of a family season ticket for prescriptions for those households with more than one individual suffering from chronic illness'.

1469A1

at end add 'as a move towards the principles propounded by Nye Bevan.'.

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Secondary information

Type

Early day motion

Reference

1469 

1469A2 

1469A3 

1469A1 

Session

2001-02

Subjects

Chronic illnesses Fees and charges Exemptions NHS Prescriptions

Link

View this Early day motion on www.parliament.uk