Press Association: "MSPs reject free prescriptions

MSPs have thrown out plans to scrap NHS prescription charges in Scotland on the same day ministers proposed new reforms to the system.

A Socialist Bill to abolish the £6.50 fee was defeated in Parliament after the Executive floated changes which could see more people becoming exempt from paying for their medicines...

The Socialists' Bill, earlier endorsed by Holyrood's cross-party Health Committee, was backed by the SNP and the Greens, as well as Labour rebel Elaine Smith. But it was defeated at its first parliamentary hurdle by 77 votes to 40.

The Executive's reforms, proposed in a consultation, included extending the prescription charge exemption to a greater number of people on low incomes, reforming the existing arrangements for patients who require frequent prescriptions and widening concessions for full-time students and trainees.

But Mr Fox criticised the consultation as 'vague', adding: 'This Bill has been in front of this Parliament for nearly two-and-a-half years, yet the Scottish Executive waits until just three hours before this debate to come forward with proposals.'

Mr Fox said the high ideals of the NHS to give equal access to healthcare had been compromised by the charges.

He added: 'The reality is the Queen gets free prescriptions while people on disability allowances do not, 30 members of this Parliament get free prescriptions but people on incapacity benefit do not, JK Rowling gets free prescriptions as a new mum but a low paid woman working in the Scottish Parliament must pay in full.'"