Minister plans end to free prescriptions

Monday 16 March 2015

Jersey could see a return to prescription charging as the Social Security department looks to cut costs.

Social Security Minister, Deputy Susie Pinel, revealed the department's plans in the States in answer to a question from Deputy Andrew Lewis. The answer also revealed Jersey's prescription rate is lower than the UK's and cheaper.

Deputy Pinel said: "The department will be considering options to reduce the cost of prescriptions this year and will continue to monitor cost and develop initiatives to reduce waste. I have also asked officers to investigate the reintroduction of a prescription charge with appropriate safeguards for those on low incomes."

She also revealed that Jersey GPs use generic medicines more than in the UK which results in an average cost in the Island of £6.67 compared to around £8.37 in England. The Minister added that as the cost of the prescription service is running at around £18 million a year, charging for the service won't recoup the full cost.

The department is talking with GPs to ensure that repeat prescriptions, which make up around 70% of the total, are not wasted, but it is not possible to print the actual cost of a medicine on a patient's prescription as the IT systems aren't in place to do so.

All departments need to make a 2% budget cut this year to get government spending back on track.

In 2012, Deputy Geoff Southern lodged a motion for prescription charges to be brought back in, but make GP visits free for people on income support. It was defeated.

Charges were abolished in 2008.

The Minister was also asked about GPs who own their own pharmacies. She said that this issue is currently being looked into by the Department.