Diabetic charity appalled by prescription proposals

Wed, 16 Aug 2017

The Manx Diabetic Group says it's appaled by the Government's plans to charge those with chronic illnesses prescription fees.

The Department of Health and Social Care is currently holding a public consultation on plans to increase charges for prescription drugs and increase the number of people who have to pay for items from the pharmacy.

The charity has described the plans as a tax of the sick which affects the most vulnerable in society.

The Group believes the changes could result in some diabetics on the Island having to start skipping their medication, resulting in a bigger burden on health services.

The DHSC has said the increased charges per item are still low compared to those in England, but the MDG says those with chronic conditions still get free prescriptions there.

The Group is appealing to Health Minister Kate Beecroft to reconsider the proposals.