Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the Answer of 7 December to Question 198332 on Sickle Cell Diseases: Prescriptions, what assessment he has made of the effect on BAME patients of his policy not to include sickle cell anaemia in the list of conditions for which a medical exemption certificate can be obtained.

The Department has made no assessment. This is because there are extensive arrangements in place to ensure that people can access affordable prescriptions. To support those with the greatest need who do not qualify for an exemption, prescription prepayment certificates are available.