Tiggy Posted February 22, 2011 Author Share Posted February 22, 2011 The thyroid meds is interesting. In Kosova my mum buys her meds and its something like 16p a month. It makes sense for them not to be on prescription otherwise that would be a whole lot of profit. When I was diagnosed with my thyroid problem my very old fashioned, now retired GP, explained to me that the reason the meds are free is because the consequences to the NHS if you didn't take them, the fact that not getting the dose right can lead to other health problems and mainly the fact that I could have a lorry load for under two quid!!! (his words) I agree your thyroxine is and should be free its a life long condition that needs treating, but how do you feel when you also get free presciptions if you need say antibiotics for a totaly unrelated acute problem, do you feel that this is fair when people with other long term conditions have to pay for their treatment for the rest of their lives. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlottechicken Posted February 22, 2011 Share Posted February 22, 2011 I'm struggling with a couple of things with this thread; first, how can I judge another person's level of need of drugs from the NHS (or the taxpayer )Second; how can I judge another person's ability to pay? Being in hospital last year taught me that there are such varying levels of need, how can you ever be fair? I'm fairly healthy, don't visit a GP unless I really, really have to, and despite being on a very low wage (so low that I receive tax credits) I can afford, and have to pay for, my prescriptions. I'm also aware that my income is below that of an average person in state housing receiving a sickness type benefit too. Another thought, a few people on sickness type benefits, even if they are fit and fairly healthy, are so used to being in the sickness loop that they do actually believe themselves to be ill, and are conditioned to feel that way by the system. This is no disrespect to them, it is the culture of benefits we have all been brought up in, unfortunately. However, it is worth bearing in mind that some sickness benefits are designed to help out financially with a health problem, that could be construed as including prescriptions. Just my thoughts. Tiggy, if you come up with an answer to all this you'll end up in the House of Lords Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CatieB Posted February 22, 2011 Share Posted February 22, 2011 Tiggy, if you come up with an answer to all this you'll end up in the House of Lords Tiggy I think that would be my answer to you. In very simple terms life is not fair and no system is going to be fair to everyone, there will always be winners, losers and the "oh but shouldn't that be an exception" category. Just taking your first example, for instance, there will be genuine people who can not afford an OTC med even if it cost less than a fiver and if they didn't have it they may ultimately cost the NHS more. And as mentioned by others your first suggestions would not target those who abuse the system and cost millions - I doubt there is a way to target that because how can we judge who is genuinely needy? One persons definition may not be anothers. I could go on... and on... there is bound to be holes in any system Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keyhole kate Posted February 22, 2011 Share Posted February 22, 2011 I think that the abuses that take place in the NHS are just the thin end of the wedge breaking the benefit culture we have in this country is long overdue but realisticaly unacheivable sadly I dont believe any government is brave enough to tackle it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlottechicken Posted February 23, 2011 Share Posted February 23, 2011 breaking the benefit culture we have in this country is long overdue but realisticaly unacheivable sadly I dont believe any government is brave enough to tackle it. I always thought it would be political suicide, but there are big changes afoot, maybe not as big as some hope for Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted February 23, 2011 Share Posted February 23, 2011 Hopefully small steps will get us there though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alis girls Posted February 23, 2011 Share Posted February 23, 2011 Not related - but watch out for Sure start scams - some patients are trying to get forms signed by different people - the lengths they go to for money - another thing for over worked NHS workers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tiggy Posted February 24, 2011 Author Share Posted February 24, 2011 its been a good discussion and helpful to hear what everyone thinks, the reason I started this thread was that we have asked at work to think of reasonable ideas to make primary care more effective and deliver care to those who really need it by making savings on things. I wanted to get some input from folks who are not all working in the healthcare system or politics. Its easy for people who are not in real need to make decisions that affect us all without too much insight into the effects changes may have on peoples lives. Thankyou all for your input Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
