Free prescriptions for the rich whilst NHS faces financial pressure

Today (1st April 2011), the SNP are trumpeting the final stage of the move to free prescriptions.

Over 90% of prescriptions are already free, and at time when the NHS is facing severe financial pressure, it is wrong to spend millions of pounds providing free prescriptions for those who can afford to pay.

Murdo Fraser, Scottish Conservative Health Spokesperson, said:

"At a time when all public services including the NHS are facing financial pressures, it is wrong to cut services in order to give people like the First Minister, who can well afford to pay, free prescriptions.

"Scottish Conservatives are committed to protecting the health budget, but this is millions of pounds which would be better spent providing more health visitors, protecting front line jobs or establishing the Cancer Drugs Fund that we have been fighting for.

"Quite rightly the young, the old and the seriously ill don't pay, in fact over 90% of prescriptions are already free. So if it comes to a choice between free prescriptions for the rich or better health for all, Scottish Conservatives are on the side of the many, not the few."

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