Free NHS prescriptions end for 36 conditions which will be 'no longer treated'
Conditions affected by NHS prescription crackdown include a string of common maladies, from diarrhoea and a sore throat to threadworms and cold sores.
by James Rodger, https://www.facebook.com/jamesrodgerjournalist · Birmingham LiveNHS free prescription recipients have been reminded as many as 36 conditions are no longer treated by the health service. Conditions affected by NHS prescription crackdown include a string of common maladies, from diarrhoea and a sore throat to threadworms and cold sores.
The crackdown began six years ago, with the NHS phasing out free prescriptions and help for a string of reasons. But reminders are circulating as we head deeper into the autumn months, in the hope it can lessen the load for NHS health workers and healthcare teams.
Health bosses say: "The NHS could save around £190 million a year by cutting such prescriptions for minor, short-term conditions, many of which will cure themselves or cause no long term effect on health." It comes as Rachel Reeves is facing mounting pressure to scrap free prescriptions for those aged 60 to 65.
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The move could potentially raise over £6billion for the Treasury over a decade, according to a previous Labour Party government report. The proposal comes from the Intergenerational Foundation charity, which argues that aligning free prescriptions with the state pension age of 66 would help address a £22billion deficit in the economy.
Acute sore throat
Infrequent cold sores of the lip
Conjunctivitis
Coughs and colds and nasal congestion
Cradle Cap (seborrhoeic dermatitis – infants)
Haemorrhoids
Infant colic
Mild cystitis
Mild irritant dermatitis
Dandruff
Diarrhoea (adults)
Dry eyes/sore (tired) eyes
Earwax
Excessive sweating (Hyperhidrosis)
Head lice
Indigestion and heartburn
Infrequent constipation
Infrequent migraine
Insect bites and sting
Mild acne
Mild dry skin
Sunburn
Sun protection
Mild to moderate hay fever/seasonal rhinitis
Minor burns and scalds
Minor conditions associated with pain, discomfort and/fever. (e.g. aches and sprains, headache, period pain, back pain)
Mouth ulcers
Nappy rash
Oral thrush
Prevention of dental caries
Ringworm/athlete’s foot
Teething/mild toothache
Threadworms
Travel sickness
Warts and verruca