Nicola Sturgeon restates free prescription pledge

Nicola Sturgeon has said that medicines on the NHS 'shouldn't be a luxury, they are a necessity, and they should be free', as she restated the SNP's opposition to NHS prescriptions charges.

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. Picture: PA

The First Minister repeated the SNP’s commitment to keep free NHS prescriptions if the party is re-elected on 5 May.

Ms Sturgeon made the pledge during a visit today to a pharmacy in Falkirk on the same day that prescription charges south of the Border increased by 20 pence from £8.20 to £8.40 per item.

Ms Sturgeon said: “Today highlights the importance of having an SNP government that puts fairness first is the only way to ensure we can protect these key social benefits.

“We’ve abolished prescription charges – and will resist any attempt from the Tories or any other party to re-introduce them.

“Free prescriptions make a huge difference to thousands of people and help the millions of people in Scotland with long term conditions to manage their healthcare.

“Prescriptions shouldn’t be a luxury, they are a necessity, and they should be free.”