Should we pay for over-the-counter medicines?

NHS Warrington Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) has launched a consultation to seek the views of the public on prescribing medications that can be bought over the counter.
There are a number of medicines currently prescribed in Warrington that are readily available to patients and the public over the counter to treat minor health conditions. These include painkillers, sun creams and ear wax removers.
The CCG spends approximately £1 million per year on these types of medicines.  This money could be better spent on reducing health inequalities across the town for the benefit of the whole population.
Dr Catherine Doyle, local GP and NHS Warrington CCG’s clinical lead for Medicines Management, said: “It is the CCG’s job to ensure the health budget for Warrington is spent as effectively as possible. We want to minimise waste and promote self-care to patients and the public, reducing the amount we spend on medicines that can be bought over the counter for
much less than a prescription charge.
The formal consultation will run until 12 noon on Wednesday,
October 21.
To find out more information go to http://www.warringtonccg.nhs.uk/get-involved/medicines-management-consultation.htm.
Throughout the 12 week consultation process, the CCG team will be attending a number of voluntary sector and community groups in Warrington to hear their views or members of the public can come to one of the CCG public meetings to discuss the proposals:
*Healthwatch Dinner and Discuss – Wednesday August 26, 6pm at Warrington Masonic Hall, Winmarleigh Street (hot meal provided)
*Warrington CCG “Get Engaged” event – Wednesday September 9, 10am at Orford Jubilee Neighbourhood Hub
*Warrington CCG’s Health Forum – Monday September 28, 1pm at The Gateway, Sankey Street