| Free prescriptions for cancer patients |
| Tuesday, 31 March 2009 16:28 | ||
Sadiq campaigned for free prescriptions for cancer patients and is delighted that from the 1st of April cancer patients will be exempt from prescription charges and will receive all of the prescriptions they need free of charge.
This change will help 150,000 cancer patients under 60 nationally, and hundreds of cancer sufferers in Tooting. In order to take full advantage of this new exemption, it is crucial that cancer patients know that they are entitled to get free prescriptions and are made aware of how to apply for the exemption certificate that they’ll need. Sadiq has written to Wandsworth PCT and local GPs to make sure that local residents with cancer are made aware that they are now entitled to free prescriptions, as well as advertising the new rules on his website and in his email newsletter. Sadiq said: “Free prescriptions will make a big difference to cancer patients in their hour of need.” “Research conducted by cancer charity Macmillan revealed that some patients were cutting back on essentials in order to afford their prescriptions. I am so pleased that the government has stepped in to help.” “Cancer patients will be able to get all of their prescriptions for free, even those which aren’t related to the disease.” Application forms can be collected from GP surgeries and oncology clinics from and must be countersigned by the patient's GP, hospital doctor or service doctor. People with cancer and their families can get advice on this and other financial help available on the Macmillan advice line 0808 801 0304. Free prescriptions will be extended to include all patients with long-term conditions in due course. This will take around 5 million patients, all with high ongoing prescription costs, out of charges. A review of how to bring this measure in, led by Professor Ian Gilmore, President of the Royal College of Physicians, is currently consulting patients, the public, patient representative bodies, clinicians and healthcare organisations. |
Promoted by Tooting Labour Party on behalf Sadiq Khan and Tooting Labour Party, all of 273 Balham High Road, London, SW17 7BD. Hosted by 34SP.com, 349 Bury Old Road, Manchester, M25 1PY.