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20/06/2014
NI To Reintroduce Prescription Charges
Northern Ireland Health Minister Edwin Poots has announced on Twitter on Thursday his department is considering reintroducing prescription charges of up to £25 a year per person to pay for a cancer drugs fund.
The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) member said the prescription fee would be £25 as maximum payment per year and it would acquire "specialist/cancer drugs for NI," however the proposal need to be supported by other political parties.
The DUP minister wrote: "Paper was submitted to FM/DFM (first minister/deputy first minister) over a year ago on a prescription charge to buy cancer drugs and specialist drugs, FM not holding it back."
However, Sinn Féin, the deputy first minister Martin McGuinness, is opposed to the reintroduction of the charges.
In the statement Mr Poots said: "I do not consider it unreasonable for those who can afford it, to make a small contribution towards the cost of their prescriptions, particularly in light of the challenges of funding high cost specialist medicines including cancer drugs."
He also added that the charge option is an example but they are also considering a number more of alternatives and empathised with sufferers promising to provide them the best treatment available "regardless of postcode."
(CVS/IT)
The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) member said the prescription fee would be £25 as maximum payment per year and it would acquire "specialist/cancer drugs for NI," however the proposal need to be supported by other political parties.
The DUP minister wrote: "Paper was submitted to FM/DFM (first minister/deputy first minister) over a year ago on a prescription charge to buy cancer drugs and specialist drugs, FM not holding it back."
However, Sinn Féin, the deputy first minister Martin McGuinness, is opposed to the reintroduction of the charges.
In the statement Mr Poots said: "I do not consider it unreasonable for those who can afford it, to make a small contribution towards the cost of their prescriptions, particularly in light of the challenges of funding high cost specialist medicines including cancer drugs."
He also added that the charge option is an example but they are also considering a number more of alternatives and empathised with sufferers promising to provide them the best treatment available "regardless of postcode."
(CVS/IT)
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
