HL Deb 19 July 1988 vol 499 cc1293-4WA
Baroness Masham

of Mon asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether sufferers from diabetes who must inject themselves with insulin can obtain syringes and needles free from their general practitioner.

Lord Skelmersdale

General practitioners may prescribe a range of disposable and reusable injection equipment for diabetics. Insulin-dependent diabetics are exempt from National Health Service prescription charges, so the supply of this equipment is free. Most patients will obtain the equipment from pharmacists, though some in rural areas may obtain them from their doctor.