Finnie urges review of co-payment guidelines (Aberdeen Central Liberal Democrats)

Aberdeen Central Liberal Democrats <info@libdems.org.uk>

Finnie urges review of co-payment guidelines

October 2, 2008 10:00 AM
Originally published by Scottish Liberal Democrats

Liberal Democrat Health spokesperson Ross Finnie MSP has urged MSPs to support a review of the guidelines on co-payments. Current practice bans patients in Scotland from privately paying for drugs, while using NHS services.

Speaking after a debate in the Scottish Parliament, Mr Finnie said:

"I am pleased that the guidelines are to be reviewed and I urge Government to ensure that any revisions balance individual rights, clinical governance, while avoiding a two-tier health service.

"I also believe that the need for private "top ups" could be avoided by making the system for approving drugs more efficient and making developing and using drugs more cost-effective."