Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government what consideration they have given to including Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) to the list of specified medical conditions qualifying for free prescriptions, given the high out-of-pocket costs for HS patients.

While we are not considering adding this or other conditions to the list of exemptions for free prescriptions, there are extensive arrangements currently in place to ensure that prescriptions are affordable for patients with hidradentis suppurativa.

Around 89% of prescriptions are dispensed free of charge and extensive arrangements are already in place to help those with the greatest need. Eligibility depends on the patient’s age, whether they are in qualifying full-time education, whether they are pregnant or have recently given birth, or whether they are in receipt of certain benefits or a war pension.