NHS crack down on Free Prescriptions (England only)

[topman]

Originally Posted by tantallon

The first thing that should be stopped is the massive amounts of items obtained by people who receive free prescriptions in England being sold on Ebay .That would save millions of pounds for a start.

I didn't know that was a thing. Perhaps we need to look at over subscribing?

[tantallon]

Originally Posted by topman

I didn't know that was a thing. Perhaps we need to look at over subscribing?

Take a look at E45 cream for a starter

[Darcydog]

Originally Posted by munroman

A very good point Nick.
For those questioning free prescriptions, I believe much of the logic in Scotland was that, apart from the huge admin costs in prescription charges, if a chronic or serious illness was avoided by someone visiting a doctor at an early stage, then that would be much cheaper than allowing the malady to become serious.

Similarly, screening for things like bowel cancer at an early stage can catch the condition much earlier.

Those who don't get free prescriptions should be asking why, not trying to remove them from those who do, it would save the country money!

I think I have just run out of “thanks” - so a personal thank you - I hope you don’t think I was advocating the loss of free Rx’s in any of the home nations.

All I wish for is a level playing field.

[Darcydog]

Originally Posted by tantallon

Take a look at E45 cream for a starter

E45 cream is a Pharmacy medicine I.e. it does not need a Rx.

[tantallon]

Originally Posted by Darcydog

E45 cream is a Pharmacy medicine I.e. it does not need a Rx.

Not in the sizes and volume sold by private sellers on Ebay .Would you buy large sizes in volume and then decide its not required ?

[Darcydog]

Originally Posted by tantallon

Not in the sizes and volume sold by private sellers on Ebay .Would you buy large sizes in volume and then decide its not required ?

I’m sure it could happen - BUT ! The issue is Rx medicines - not OTC stuff.

And having had a quick look - I have only so far seen E45 on sale via what looks to me to by the usual pharmaceutical wholesale outlets.

[tantallon]

Not what I see I have wrote to MP,s Look at E45 pumps .Look at feedback at the continuing volume of sales .It sickens me .What started my interest in this was the following
I purchased of all things a roll of wire fencing .When I went to collect the door was opened by a woman who had serious scarring to her shaven head .She looked dreadful and extremely ill.She was ushered away by a man and I collected the roll of fencing .Upon getting home I looked at his items for sale and his previous feedback .He was selling scar fading cream at over £50 a tube and had sold numerous over a period of time .Upon checking up on prices .The retail price of the cream was in excess of £120.00 .This is the tip of the iceberg .I have made a point of contacting both the authorities and Ebay on numerous occasions .Some of the items include Tramadol prednisolone,Asthma controllers etc etc .These people need bringing to task .Rant over but see for yourselves the massive waste and abuse of taxpayers money

[Darcydog]

As I say - I’m sure this happens - but it won’t be a lucrative venture as 500g of E45 retails at about £10

[tantallon]

Originally Posted by Darcydog

As I say - I’m sure this happens - but it won’t be a lucrative venture as 500g of E45 retails at about £10

I am not arguing with you Its theft end of and depriving more needy cases of the medication and care they need

[Darcydog]

Originally Posted by tantallon

I am not arguing with you Its theft end of and depriving more needy cases of the medication and care they need

And I don’t want an argument at all!! - what I am saying is that someone I know who works in the U.K., not eligible for free Rx’s who was recovering from an op on her shoulder was given a Rx with three items on it. The total cost was over £24. She was off work struggling on SSP.

An exact same person in the U.K. but not in England would have got the three items for free. Even tho’ both live in the U.K. and pay the same tax and NIC

So answer me this - is that fair?







Edit - just checked with the lady - she has been on these three medications for 5 months - and could well be on them for longer.

But even for the 5 months thus far - her total cost is 3x5x£8.80 = £132.00

For someone on SSP for much of those five month, (actually 5x28 days) - £132 is a very unwelcome cost that she feels very angry about as she lives an hour away from the Welsh border.