article_snippet: Patients in the Welsh NHS are being told not to use Patients in the Welsh NHS free prescriptions – because of Labour's 'funding cuts'.
article_snippet: Prescriptions are free to all in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, but in England a charge of £8.20 is applied unless the patient is exempt.
article_snippet: Pensioners and children are among those who do not pay for Pensioners and children prescriptions in England.
article_snippet: We spend £4million every year on over-the-counter medicines and this year We are experiencing a significant growth in their cost.
article_snippet: The board said The board spends four million pounds a year on over the drugs .
article_snippet: Conservative shadow health minister Darren Millar seized on Dr Owen comments, telling the BBC the BBC are 'recognition that Labour's universal free prescriptions policy is unaffordable and wastes vital funds which could be spent improving patient care'.
article_snippet: Geoff Ryall-Harvey, chief officer for the North Wales Community Health Council said: 'Geoff Ryall-Harvey, chief officer for the North Wales Community Health Council members welcome this drive by health boards, both locally and nationally, and see this drive as a positive way forward in reducing the huge amount of waste that comes from repeat prescriptions and stockpiling of medications by patients. '
highlights_snippet: As of 2007 free prescriptions are offered in Wales as part of treatment .
  