PRESCRIPTION CHARGES

That this House believes prescription charges to be a tax on illness; notes that from 1 April 2009 prescription charges in Scotland will be reduced to £4 per item, whereas in England the charge will increase to £7.20; congratulates the Scottish government for this action, and its continuous commitment to building a healthier Scotland; further notes that more people have been taking up their prescriptions in Scotland since charges were reduced, demonstrating that people were deterred by the previously high costs of taking up a prescription; and welcomes the plans of the Scottish Government to abolish fully all prescription charges by 2011, thus ensuring equality for all patients regardless of their health needs.