The SNP Government is on track to deliver its commitment to abolish prescription charges as the charge drops from £4 to £3 on 1st April on its way to complete abolition next year.

Bob Doris, MSP for Glasgow said: "People are struggling right now and prescription charges add to the misery for many who are suffering ill health.

"Opposition parties have their own priorities but I am proud that the SNP is delivering free healthcare for all despite that political opposition. Whilst Labour in England increases the cost of a prescription to a whopping £7.20, the SNP vision in Scotland is for healthcare free at the point of need.

"Unemployed, disabled and low income families are amongst the groups most likely to suffer because of this tax on ill. People across Glasgow will be relieved that this burden is lifting and I look forward to the complete abolition next year."

Notes:

1. As well as individual prescriptions falling from from £4 to £3, 3 month Pre-Payment Certificates (PPC) will go down from £13 to £10 and 12-month PPCs from £38 to £28 - £60 cheaper than when the SNP took office.

Compare this to south of the border where Labour is in power - £7.20 for individual prescription, £27.85 for 3-month PPC and £102.50 for 12-month PPC.

2. In addition it has been reported that Gordon Brown is to shelve his promise on prescription charges.

3. This has followed a campaign website calling on Gordon Brown to keep the promise he made in his speech to Labour Party Conference 2008 to abolish prescription charges for people with ALL long-term conditions. Details are available here.