HL Deb 08 March 2001 vol 623 c44WA
Baroness Howells of St Davids

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether patients with the following inherited conditions:

  1. (a) cystic fibrosis;
  2. (b) haemophilia;
  3. (c) sickle cell; and
  4. (d) thalassaemia,
are entitled to free drug prescriptions on the National Health Service. [HL1068]

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath

In England people suffering from cystic fibrosis, haemophilia, sickle cell and thalassaemia are entitled to free prescriptions if they are aged under 16 (under 19 if in full-time education), 60 or over, are suffering from an exempting medical condition (cystic fibrosis, haemophilia, sickle cell and thalassaemia are not of themselves exempting conditions) or they (or their partner) are receiving income support, income based jobseeker's allowance or tax credits (with their maximum credit reduced by £70 or less per week). They may also claim help under the NHS Low Income Scheme. For Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, prescription charging arrangements are a matter for the devolved administrations.