Press Release
9th November 2007

Sign up for Free Minor Ailments Scheme
MSP for Greenock and Inverclyde, Duncan McNeil, is urging his constituents who receive free prescriptions to sign up for free over-the-counter medicines and treatments.

Mr McNeil says the move means that people over 60, children under 16 and anyone who otherwise qualifies for free prescriptions can also access treatments for a string of more minor ailments free of charge.

Speaking at TLC Gourock Pharmacy with Pharmacist, James Semple, he said:

“Community pharmacists do a great job in advising people and prescribing effective remedies for their more minor illnesses.  And people on low incomes, the elderly, or those in poor health shouldn’t be put off seeking this advice by the cost of over-the-counter medicines.

“Under this scheme, everyone entitled to free prescriptions can now access a wide range of treatments for ailments which were not covered before – allergies, backache, eczema, mouth ulcers and more – absolutely free at their local pharmacy.

“I would therefore urge everyone who qualifies for free prescriptions to sign up for the minor ailments scheme and make sure they receive what they’re entitled to.”

How to register:  

• To benefit, you or your children must be entitled to free prescriptions.
• You must go to your local chemist and fill out a simple registration form to register with this Minor Ailment Service.
• Your pharmacist will check that you are eligible for free prescriptions. Try to bring proof with you, but in any case your pharmacist will be happy to advise.
• You can choose any pharmacy you wish and it is advisable­ to return to them for all your free minor ailment medicines.
• Once you are registered, you can visit your pharmacist as often as you want.
• Your pharmacist will of course refer you to your GP if your condition needs your doctor's attention.

The ailments covered by the free scheme are:

Acne; allergies; athlete’s foot; backache; cold sores; constipation; coughs; diarrhoea; earache; eczema; hay fever; headache; head lice; indigestion; mouth ulcers; nasal congestion; pain; period pain; piles; thrush; sore throat; threadworms; warts; and verrucas.

The pharmacist will decide on the best treatment for you and will dispense the medicines free of charge.
ENDS

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