How Essex is reacting to the NHS England's near £10 prescription charges

NHS prescription charges in England have now risen to almost £10 per item, triggering anger among Essex residents.

The outcry follows the unveiling of increases in prescription charges and the 12-month NHS Prescription Prepayment Certificate cost, which will grow from £111.60 to £114.50.

The Echo’s Facebook post on the news promoted a widespread response, with Sue Cooper commenting: “Yet Scotland and Wales still get them free that we are paying for.”

Some users saw the price increase as evidence of inflated medical costs.

Steve Andrew said: “You actually pay that price, even if your prescription is for paracetamol.

“Shows how over-inflated it is. They are just pills.”

Nico Austin expressed their concerns about imposing a financial penalty on those needing prescriptions.

They said: “I think if you’re unlucky enough to need a prescription you shouldn’t then be financially penalised on top for good measure.”

Rosanna Pooley warned: “There will be a lot of uncollected prescriptions left at pharmacies.”

Some users offered a solution to alleviate the financial burden.

Michael Gutteridge, and multiple other users recommended prepayment certificates.

He said: “Just get a prepayment.”

An option that Janice Cannon echoed: “Get a prepayment certificate. It costs just over £11 and it’s monthly.”

Several social media users called out the charge as an unfair policy that primarily affects the sick.

Sam Spillings said: “It is ridiculous. People won’t be able to afford that.”

Jo Hunt added: “People that don’t have exemptions, will not be able to afford to be sick, it’s not right.”

Concerns about this leading to uncollected prescriptions and subsequent strain on NHS resources were also raised.

Despite the outcry, some users recognised some benefits.

Royal Pharmaceutical Society in England argued that prescription charges should be scrapped outright, however, James Tickett reminded us that it is still free if you claim certain benefits.