English cancer patients urged to apply for free Rxs

People being treated for cancer in England will be eligible for free prescriptions from April 1, and can apply for these from January 20.

The new scheme, announced by the Prime Minister in September last year,  abolishes National Health Service prescription charges for everyone  undergoing treatment for cancer, the effects of the disease or those of  the treatment. Up to 150,000 patients already diagnosed with the disease  are expected to benefit, and may save about GBP100 ($145) each year in  prescription charges, resulting in a reduction of Rx charge income of  some GBP15.0 million a year.

All cancer patients are allowed to apply for a five-year exemption  certificate, which will entitle them to all their NHS prescriptions free  of charge, not just those relating to cancer. The certificate can be  renewed as many times as necessary and will not have to be returned if  the patient's condition changes. Public Health Minister, Dawn Primarolo  said: "this new scheme gives people living with cancer one less worry at  such a difficult time."