Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Cystic Fibrosis: Prescription Charge Exemption — [Mr Virendra Sharma in the Chair]

02 February 2022 · 6 other contributors · 11,043 words

Opened by Paul Maynard Con Blackpool North and Cleveleys

Responding minister: Edward Argar

NHS

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Paul Maynard raised concerns about cystic fibrosis: prescription charge exemption — [mr virendra sharma in the chair] in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Concerns raised about financial burden on people with cystic fibrosis due to prescription charges in England.
  • The Cystic Fibrosis Trust estimates that around 2,500 people in England do not qualify for free prescriptions.
  • Minister acknowledged the work of the Cystic Fibrosis Trust and Prescription Charges Coalition in raising awareness.

Key requests to Government

I urge the Government to undertake a thorough review of the conditions included in the prescription charge exemption list since the Medicines Act 1968. The cost of adding cystic fibrosis to the exempt list would be £270,000 and it is essential to address this moral wrong.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Paul Maynard Con Blackpool North and Cleveleys

I am concerned about the financial burden on people with cystic fibrosis who are required to pay prescription charges. The Cystic Fibrosis Trust estimates that around 2,500 people in England do not qualify for free prescriptions and face a lifelong financial burden. Individuals like Gayle's daughter take over 50 tablets a day to treat the condition, highlighting the unfairness of the current exemption list which has not been reviewed since 1968. The lack of an exemption leads to situations where people feel 'thankfully' for developing diabetes to avoid prescription charges, showing how outdated and uncompassionate the system is.

Other contributors (6)
  • Feryal Clark Lab Enfield North

    Cystic Fibrosis affects over 10,000 people in the UK and despite there being no cure, treatments help manage the condition. The prescription charge system discriminates against those living with CF as only one addition has been made to the exempt list since 1968. Financial pressures force some individuals not to take their medications.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Jim Shannon, the DUP's health spokesperson, expressed concern about the Government's failure to update the list of exempt medical conditions for cystic fibrosis since 1968. He highlighted that there are now more adults than children living with cystic fibrosis in the UK and emphasised the need for ongoing support beyond a one-off grant from the Cystic Fibrosis Trust. Responded to an intervention, mentioning that prescription charges are free in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, advocating for similar provisions in England.

  • John Hayes Con South Holland and The Deepings

    John Hayes shared a personal story about his friend who suffered from cystic fibrosis, highlighting the importance of removing prescription charges for those with the condition. He recounted introducing a private Member's Bill in the late 1990s to address this issue and encouraged the current Minister to take action based on the strength of the cross-party argument presented.

  • Kerry McCarthy Lab Bristol East

    Kerry McCarthy, whose niece has cystic fibrosis (CF), highlighted the positive impact of recent medical advancements such as Kalydeco and Orkambi but noted that these drugs do not cover all expenses. She pointed out that approximately 2,500 adult CF patients in England face prescription charges for other medications like antibiotics. McCarthy also mentioned a constituent whose son faces financial difficulties due to the cost of prescriptions and cited a Cystic Fibrosis Trust survey where 96% of respondents found prescription charges unfair. Asked the Minister if there is something concrete he can commit to, indicating a desire for progress rather than repeated discussions on the same issue.

  • Lee Anderson Reform Ashfield

    Described his wife's struggle with cystic fibrosis, including her diagnosis at age 18 and the financial burden of prescription charges. Emphasized that she struggled until getting CF-related type 1 diabetes which allowed free prescriptions. Advocated for waiving prescription charges as they limit opportunities for people living with cystic fibrosis.

  • Ruth Jones Lab Newport West and Islwyn

    As a former physiotherapist who used to treat children and young people with cystic fibrosis, Ruth Jones emphasised that individuals should not be penalised for taking necessary medication. She highlighted the importance of ensuring that those living longer lives due to advancements in treatment do not have additional worries about prescription charges. My hon. Friend is making a powerful speech. Would she agree with me that, for all of us living in Wales, the fact that all of our prescriptions are free means that people do not have to worry about not having the money to take life-saving medication?

Government Response

Edward Argar

It is a pleasure to serve under the chairmanship of Mr Virendra Sharma. The minister thanked all hon. Members for their contributions, acknowledging personal stories shared by MPs such as Lee Anderson and Kerry McCarthy. He recognized the work done by the Cystic Fibrosis Trust and Prescription Charges Coalition in raising awareness about cystic fibrosis. Argar noted that when the medical exemption list was drawn up in 1968, it included readily identifiable, permanent medical conditions; however, due to advancements in treatment, people with cystic fibrosis are living longer but still face prescription charges which can impact their quality of life. The minister acknowledged that there has been no review since 1968 and stated that he cannot commit to a review at the Dispatch Box without cross-Government agreement. He highlighted that while only 42% of all NHS prescription items were free in 1968, this figure is now around 89%, with 60% of the English population not paying prescription charges at all. The minister also discussed the annual certificate which provides a significant potential reduction in costs for those who pay prescription fees. He noted that health is devolved and different approaches are taken by England compared to the devolved Administrations, acknowledging the value of prescription charge revenue towards NHS frontline services. Finally, he committed to reflecting on today's debate and conveying sentiments to Lord Kamall.

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