Prescription charges abolished for cancer patients

Cancer sufferers in Rochdale can today apply for free prescriptions which will come into effect in April.

At the Labour party’s annual conference, PM Gordon Brown announced his plans to abolish NHS prescription charges for everyone undergoing treatment for cancer, the effects of cancer, or the effects of cancer treatment.

Ministers say up to 150,000 patients already diagnosed with cancer are expected to benefit. They could save £100 each year in prescription charges.

All cancer patients are entitled to apply for a five-year exemption certificate, which will entitle them to all their NHS prescriptions free of charge — not only cancer-related prescriptions.

Public Health Minister, Dawn Primarolo, said: “This new scheme gives people living with cancer one less worry at such a difficult time.”

Forms can be collected from GP surgeries or oncology clinics but must be countersigned by the GP, or hospital doctor.

Ciaran Devane, chief executive of Macmillan Cancer Support, said: “We are delighted the Government has listened and abolished prescription charges for cancer patients.

“This was absolutely the right thing to do. Cancer not only threatens your life, but can also make you poor. Free prescriptions will transform the lives of thousands of people.”

Forms received by March 24 will be processed in time for April 1. Patients receiving certificates after April 1 can have any charges paid out refunded.

President of the Royal College of Physicians Professor Ian Gilmore is leading a review into how the scheme can be extended to include all patients with long-term conditions.