§ Mr. CryerTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list all the illnesses for sufferers of which drugs are available free of charge; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. DorrellPeople who suffer from one or more of the following medical conditions are entitled to claim exemption from all NHS prescription charges:
A permanent fistula which requires continuous surgical dressing or an appliance.
Epilepsy for which continuous anti-convulsive therapy is essential.
A continuing physical disability which prevents the patient from leaving home without the help of another person.
- Diabetes mellitus, except where treatment is by diet alone
- Myxodema (hypothyroidism).
- Hypoparathyroidism.
- Diabetes insipidus or other forms of hypopituitarism.
- Forms of hypoadrenalism (including Addison's disease for which specific substitution therapy is essential.
- Myasthenia gravis.
In addition, there are extensive general exemption arrangements which are designed to protect those who are likely to have difficulty in paying charges. Anyone who is not exempt, but who needs a lot of prescriptions, is able to limit their outlay by buying a prepayment certificate ("season ticket"). As a result of these arrangements, a charge is paid on less than one in five items dispensed.
§ Mr. CryerTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the estimated annual cost of the free provision of drugs for patients suffering from life-threatening cancer; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. DorrellThis information is not available.