Where’s the harm in GPs prescribing over-the-counter medicines for free? | Ann Robinson Doctors need to prescribe responsibly. But some susceptible patients might not be able to afford sun-blocking cream to prevent skin cancer.
The Mail is up in arms. “The NHS spends millions handing out toothpaste, Calpol and Berocca vitamin pills,” begins an article in the paper on Monday. “Patients are also routinely prescribed Strepsils, Bonjela, Rennie indigestion pills and even Alka-Seltzer.” Apparently this costs the NHS tens of millions a year, “while vital surgery and cancer drugs are rationed”. What a bunch of scroungers we all are.
But is it true? Are profligate GPs prescribing useless drugs for wanton people and draining the NHS of vital funds? The truth is a bit more complicated.
Lots of people get free prescriptions, and more than 80% of all dispensed items are to people who are exempt from them Continue reading... The Guardian
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