Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will take steps to (a) include asthma in the medical exemptions list for NHS prescription charges, (b) backdate all prescription prepayment certificates to 12 months and (c) reduce all prescriptions costs.

There are no current plans to do so. Approximately 89% of prescription items are dispensed free of charge and there are a range of exemptions in place, which those with asthma may be eligible for and be in receipt of free prescriptions.

The cost of prescriptions can be limited by purchasing a prescription pre-payment certificate, which can be paid for in instalments, to receive all required medicines for just over £2 a week. Additionally, the NHS Low Income Scheme can also assist with health costs on an income-related basis. In 2022/23, prescription charges have been frozen for the single prescription charge and the prescription pre-payment certificate.