Prescriptions: Barking and Dagenham

(asked on 12th October 2022) - View Source

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what estimate her Department has made on the number of people in my constituency of Barking and Dagenham who are unable to afford prescription costs.


Answered by
Will Quince Portrait
Will Quince
This question was answered on 3rd November 2022

No specific estimate has been made. However, arrangements are in place to help with the affordability of National Health Service prescriptions, including exemptions relating to age, income or qualifying medical conditions. Approximately 89% of NHS prescription items are dispensed in the community free of charge.

To support those who do not qualify for an exemption from prescription charges, the cost of prescriptions can be capped by purchasing a prescription pre-payment certificate, which can be paid for in instalments. A holder of a 12-month certificate can get all the prescriptions they need for just over £2 per week. Additionally, people on a low income who do not qualify for an exemption from prescription charges can also seek help under the NHS Low Income Service, which provides help with health costs on an income-related basis.

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