§ Mr. Laurence RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the medical complaints which provide entitlements to free prescriptions; and if he will make a statement. [43641]
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§ Ms BlearsThe medical conditions conferring exemption from prescription charges are:
(1) permanent fistula (including caecostomy, colostomy, laryngostomy, or ileostomy) requiring continuous surgical dressing or an appliance;
(2) the following disorders:
- —forms of hypoadrenalism (including Addison's disease) for which specific substitution therapy is essential;
- —diabetes insipidus and other forms of hypopituitarism;
- —diabetes mellitus—except where treatment is by diet alone;
- —hypoparathyroidism;
- —myasthenia gravis; and
- —myxoedema;
(3) epilepsy requiring continuous anti-convulsive therapy;
(4) a continuing physical disability which prevents the patient from leaving his residence without the help of another person.
§ Mr. Laurence RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will exempt sufferers of cystic fibrosis from paying prescription charges; and if he will make a statement. [43642]
§ Ms BlearsOur policy is to give priority to helping people who may have difficulty in paying charges, rather than extending the exemption arrangements to people with other medical conditions, including cystic fibrosis.