Free prescriptions prompt ‘OTC concerns’ in Scotland

The planned introduction of free prescriptions in Scotland has raised concerns over the prospects for certain over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, it has been suggested.

A report from the Edinburgh Evening News has claimed that some GPs north of the border are finding their patients keen to access free prescriptions for drugs that they could easily purchase OTC.

Liberal Democrat health spokesperson at the Scottish parliament Ross Finnie told the newspaper: “We are concerned that when prescription charges are entirely phased out, GPs may be overwhelmed by patients seeking free prescriptions for drugs that are already available over the counter.”

However, the plans and ongoing effort designed to remove prescription fees altogether in Scotland have been very popular among the general public and particularly among those who suffer from long-term illnesses.

In December of last year, Nicola Sturgeon, health secretary and Scottish National MP, suggested publicly that prescription charges amounted to little more than a “tax on ill health”.