MP calls for PM to commit to end prescription charges

Date published: 03 February 2010

Rochdale MP Paul Rowen has added his support to the campaign urging the Prime Minister to commit to the promise he made two years ago, when he promised to abolish prescription charges for people with long term conditions.

Currently, people suffering from diseases such as asthma, heart disease, diabetes and depression are charged for their prescriptions.

This week protestors from ‘Prescription Charges Coalition’ gathered outside Parliament calling on Gordon Brown to legislate on abolishing prescription charges so that the law can come into effect by the General Election.

Mr Rowen has joined political colleagues from all parties to sign EDM 306 calling on Gordon Brown to support the Prescriptions Promise campaign urging him to implement the promise he made.

Adding his own concerns, Mr. Rowen said: “If he had stuck to his promise earlier, we may have been in a position today where the neediest in my constituency would not have to worry about paying for their medicines. I have heard horror stories of pensioners not seeing their GP as it may result in expensive prescriptions. In today’s world, this is simply unacceptable and the sooner Gordon Brown realises this, the better.

Councillor Jean Ashworth added: “In today’s economic climate, I think it’s extremely unfair for patients who suffer from long term illnesses to pay for their life saving medicines on the back of rising fuel costs and other bills.”