§ Mr. DoddsTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many prescriptions were issued in Northern Ireland in the year 2002–03; what the total cost of such prescriptions was; and what percentage of such prescriptions was paid for by the Government. [126504]
§ Angela SmithThe number of prescriptions issued is not known; however, the number of prescriptions submitted for payment in 2002–03 was 14,622,156 covering some 25,501,388 items.
The cost in 2002–03 of prescriptions, before deduction of patient contributions, was £322.8m. In 2002–03 patient contributions totalled £12.7m leaving the percentage paid for by Government at 96.1 per cent. (£310.1m).
Of the 25,501,388 items that were dispensed 6.1 per cent. were paid for at the point of dispensing. The remaining 93.9 per cent. of items did not have the £6.20 charge paid at the point of dispensing because either the patient had a pre-payment certificate and therefore did not have to pay or the patient was exempt from payment due to age, benefit status or other reason given on the back of the prescription form.