MEDICAL PRESCRIPTION charges in the North have been cut to just £3 for each item. The new charge, down from £6.75, is an interim measure pending the abolition of prescription charges due to come into force in April next year.
The measure, expected to cost £13 million a year, is funded by the Stormont Department of Health. Michael McGimpsey, the Ulster Unionist Minister, said it would provide equality of treatment for all patients.
"This will bring an end to the inequitable system which ranked one person's suffering above another's," Mr McGimpsey said.
"Reducing the charge to £3 is the beginning of the process towards abolition of prescription charges. The reduction in the cost of prepayment certificates will make a real difference for those people who need to buy medication on a regular basis.
"It is also totally against the principles of the NHS, which promises free health services to all."
He added: "I will be putting processes in place to ensure that prescribing rates are kept within acceptable limits. Healthcare professionals must practise responsible prescribing and the public must play a part by only taking medication if they really need it."
The system of prescription charges varies throughout the UK, with for example cancer sufferers in England able to avail of free prescriptions while other patients must pay. Children, expectant mothers, the elderly and those on benefits are not charged. Those with long-term needs can pay monthly or annual charges.