Prescription charges abolished
Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon has warmly welcomed the abolition of prescription charges in Scotland. Over the past 3 years, the phasing out of prescription charges has resulted in an average saving to someone with a long-term illness of £180. As of today prescriptions are free.
Today also sees the Scotland-wide introduction of a living wage for NHS employees and the extension of the free bus pass to injured veterans.
Nicola commented: “Today, Scotland gets fairer. Because Scots elected an SNP Government four years ago, prescription charges have been abolished and our NHS restored to its founding principle of healthcare free at the point of need.
“600,000 Scots on incomes of £16,000 or less will no longer have to pay for their prescriptions. That means that no-one will have to choose between paying for their medication and putting food on the table.
“Today also sees the introduction of a living wage of £7.15 for NHS employees and the extension of concessionary travel to injured veterans.
“And it marks four years of the council tax freeze for households and the small business bonus, which has abolished or cut business rates for thousands of Scotland’s small businesses, protecting jobs and services.
“A re-elected SNP Government, led by Alex Salmond as First Minister, will maintain these policies within a balanced budget. Times are tough but the SNP will always put fairness at the centre of what we do and protect what matters most.”
