Media and medical response to the introduction of prescription charging in the National Health Service.

Abstract

In April 2009 the National Health Service (NHS) prescription charge rose to pounds 7.20 in England, whereas in Wales prescriptions have been free since 2007. This major difference has led to much controversy amongst the public, media and medical profession. This paper tries to identify the response of the media and medical profession to the introduction of prescription charging in the NHS. When established on July 5th 1948 the NHS provided free healthcare including prescriptions to the entire population of Britain. However, following concerns around finance, the Conservative government introduced a one shilling prescription charge in June 1952. Information gathered from newspapers, despite their differing readerships and political affiliations, revealed that the media generally accepted the charge with little opposition. In contrast, large debate and divisions arose amongst the medical profession, with huge volumes of literature being published on the issue. The London based British Medical Association opposed the charge as they felt doctors were not government tax collectors; whereas rural doctors became concerned that the charge would affect the doctor-patient relationship. This paper identifies that the introduction of the prescription charge, not only aroused debate in parliament, but caused a spectrum of views amongst lay and medical circles.