Maree Todd MSP says average household better off by £400 due to SNP’s free prescriptions
On the 14th anniversary of Scotland abolishing prescription charges, it has been highlighted that this policy saves the average Scottish household over £400 annually.
In 2023/24, over 113 million prescriptions were dispensed across Scotland, with NHS Highland alone dispensing 6,971,860. This equates to an average of 20.8 prescriptions per person in Scotland.
Caithness, Sutherland and Ross MSP Maree Todd emphasised the SNP's commitment to free healthcare at the point of use, viewing prescription charges as a "tax on ill health”.
She added: “The SNP is proud to have abolished prescription charges in Scotland, ensuring that everyone in Highland has access to the medication they require based on their needs rather than the ability to pay.
“In the face of soaring energy bills, despite Labour’s promise to bring them down, people in Highland are still living through a cost-of-living crisis, making it more important than ever that they can access the medical treatment they need without worrying about the cost.”
Based on England's current £9.90 prescription charge, the average Scottish household saved £436.72 last year due to free prescriptions. This contrasts sharply with the Scottish Conservative leader's proposal to reintroduce charges, which would cost each person an average of £206 per year.
A report by Trussell Trust revealed that in England, 68 per cent of working households on Universal Credit have had to forgo essential items, including prescription medication, due to cost. The SNP says this “underscores the importance of free prescriptions”.
