Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the (1) financial, and (2) health, impact of providing free prescriptions for patients with sickle cell disease.

No specific assessment has been made. Approximately 89% of prescription items are currently dispensed free of charge and there are a range of exemptions from prescription charges, which those with sickle cell disease may be eligible for and already be in receipt of free prescriptions.

The cost of prescriptions can be reduced by purchasing a prescription pre-payment certificate. A holder of a 12-month certificate can get all the prescriptions for just over £2 per week. Additionally, people on a low income who do not qualify for an exemption from prescription charges can also seek support through the NHS Low Income Service, which provides assistance with health costs on an income-related basis.