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DHSC yet to make final decision on prescriptions

Wed, 25 Oct 2017

The Health Minister admits her Department is yet to make a final decision about potential changes to prescription charges.

Kate Beecroft was asked for an update on the proposals, which include fewer exemptions from payments and an increase to the cost for each item, in this week's sitting of the House of Keys.

Mrs Beecroft revealed there is no definitive timetable for presenting changes to Tynwald, and that the Department of Health and Social Care is yet to decide what changes if any will be necessary.

A consultation on the proposals finished in September, resulting in responses the Minister says are wide ranging and all in need of consideration.

Members of the public expressed concern over plans to end free prescriptions for pensioners under 75 and those with chronic illnesses when the consultation was launched.

It's expected changes will be brought to Tynwald in the first quarter of next year.

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