§ Miss Richardsonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services on what basis the list of specified diseases which are exempted from prescription charges is decided; who makes the decision; and how often the list is reviewed.
§ Dr. VaughanThe list of specified medical conditions which attract exemption from prescription charges includes only readily identifiable conditions which in virtually all cases call automatically for prolonged continuous medication; most of the present listed conditions require specific substitution therapy. This list is compiled in conjunction with the General Medical Services Committee representing the medical profession.
The last formal discussions with the General Medical Services Committee, with a view to extending the list, took place in 1976. As a result of the campaign organised last year by the cystic fibrosis research trust we considered the need for a further joint review of the list. Because of the increased costs if several new conditions were added to the list, and the need to view these costs in relation to the broad needs of the National Health Service as a whole, we reluctantly concluded that no change should be made in the present range of exemptions.