Petition

Add Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) patients to NHS Prescription Fee Exemption

Rejected 21 signatures

What the petition asks

IBD is a lifelong, incurable condition like Crohn’s and Colitis that causes chronic inflammation in the gut. It’s not currently exempt from NHS prescription fees, placing financial strain on patients who need constant treatment. Many must choose between daily essentials and vital medication.
IBD patients often take immunosuppressants, increasing their risk of infections and need for antibiotics, antivirals, or antifungals. Alongside long-term meds, they may need short-term treatments like iron for anaemia, pain relief, skin care, and GI support. Managing IBD involves multiple ongoing prescriptions, highlighting the need for NHS prescription fee exemption to ease financial strain and ensure consistent access to vital care.

Why it was rejected

There was already a petition about this issue. Duplicates are rejected so signatures collect in one place.

You may wish to sign this petition which calls for the same action:

Fund free prescriptions for people living with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Fund free prescriptions for people living with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Timeline

17 Jul 2025 Petition opened for signatures
31 Jul 2025 Rejected by the Petitions Committee

Key facts

Signatures 21
Status Rejected
Rejected 31 Jul 2025

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 27 Jul 2026.