Davey backs Lib Dem campaign for prescription charge change

18.06.02

Edward Davey, Lib Dem MP for Kingston and Surbiton, has given his support to a Liberal Democrat motion to exempt people with chronic illnesses from paying prescription charges.

The Prescriptions (Chronic Diseases) Bill will be proposed in the House of Commons on Wednesday 19th June by Paul Marsden, Liberal Democrat MP for Shrewsbury & Atcham.

"These charges are unfair and deter many patients from getting the treatment they need," said Mr.Davey. "People with long-term illnesses should not be left with the burden of prescription charges for their whole lives. It's time Labour realised that the current system is unfair and forces less well off patients to choose which drugs they can afford to buy."

Mr.Davey has also signed Early Day Motion 991, which calls specifically for prescription charges for cystic fibrosis sufferers to be scrapped.

"Only the Liberal Democrats are serious about providing an NHS free at the point of need," he said. "The exemption system for prescriptions is seriously flawed - and the needs of patients must be addressed first before financial considerations."