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20/06/2014
NI To Reintroduce Prescription Charges
Northern Ireland Health Minister Edwin Poots has announced on Twitter on Thursday his department is considering reintroducing prescription charges of up to £25 a year per person to pay for a cancer drugs fund.
The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) member said the prescription fee would be £25 as maximum payment per year and it would acquire "specialist/cancer drugs for NI," however the proposal need to be supported by other political parties.
The DUP minister wrote: "Paper was submitted to FM/DFM (first minister/deputy first minister) over a year ago on a prescription charge to buy cancer drugs and specialist drugs, FM not holding it back."
However, Sinn Féin, the deputy first minister Martin McGuinness, is opposed to the reintroduction of the charges.
In the statement Mr Poots said: "I do not consider it unreasonable for those who can afford it, to make a small contribution towards the cost of their prescriptions, particularly in light of the challenges of funding high cost specialist medicines including cancer drugs."
He also added that the charge option is an example but they are also considering a number more of alternatives and empathised with sufferers promising to provide them the best treatment available "regardless of postcode."
(CVS/IT)
The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) member said the prescription fee would be £25 as maximum payment per year and it would acquire "specialist/cancer drugs for NI," however the proposal need to be supported by other political parties.
The DUP minister wrote: "Paper was submitted to FM/DFM (first minister/deputy first minister) over a year ago on a prescription charge to buy cancer drugs and specialist drugs, FM not holding it back."
However, Sinn Féin, the deputy first minister Martin McGuinness, is opposed to the reintroduction of the charges.
In the statement Mr Poots said: "I do not consider it unreasonable for those who can afford it, to make a small contribution towards the cost of their prescriptions, particularly in light of the challenges of funding high cost specialist medicines including cancer drugs."
He also added that the charge option is an example but they are also considering a number more of alternatives and empathised with sufferers promising to provide them the best treatment available "regardless of postcode."
(CVS/IT)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
