Cut in script charges linked with reduced OTC sales
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Welsh policy on prescription charges may unintentionally reduce
OTC sales |
The phased reduction of prescription charges in Wales coincided with an increase in the number of non-sedating antihistamines — products available over the counter — dispensed in Wales, a study recently released online ahead of print shows (Health Policy, 5
March 2008).
Co-author of the study Roger Walker, professor of pharmacy practice at
the Welsh School of Pharmacy and consultant in pharmaceutical public
health, National Public Health Service for Wales, told The Journal that
it was possible the Welsh Assembly Government’s policy on prescription
charges was unintentionally serving to increase GP visits and reduce
OTC sales from community pharmacies, even before the eventual abolition
of the prescription charge in April 2007.
He explained the study findings: “During the period October 2004
to September 2006, at a time when there was a phased reduction of the
prescription charge in Wales, the rate of growth in prescriptions for
non-sedating antihistamines across the 22 local health boards in Wales
was greater than that seen in the two years before the reduction of the
prescription charge commenced.
“In comparison, in the south east of England
the growth in prescriptions for non-sedating antihistamines was similar
over the two two-year study periods.”
Professor Walker added: “Of particular interest in the analysis
of the Welsh data was the fact that the marked growth in prescriptions
for non-sedating antihistamines was evident in the least deprived but
not the most deprived LHBs. This suggests that individuals who may previously
have purchased their non-sedating antihistamine from a pharmacy were
now probably seeking the same on
prescription.”
Prescription
statistics The number of prescription
items dispensed in the community
in Wales has risen by 5 per cent — from 58.9 million items in 2006 to 62.1
million items in 2007 — the Welsh Assembly Government’s statistics
directorate announced last week.
The net ingredient cost of all community-dispensed prescriptions grew 3 per cent
to £590m from 2006 to 2007, but this, according to Government statisticians,
equates to a decrease of 0.02 per cent in real terms. The average net ingredient
cost per item reduced from £9.74 to £9.51 over that period.
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The
Pharmaceutical Journal
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