A RISE in NHS prescription charges in England to almost £10 per item has sparked a mixed reaction from News & Star readers. 

As of yesterday (May, 1), prescription charges in England rose from £9.65 to £9.90 per item. 

The move has been met with resistance from The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS), who protested that it would disproportionately affect those in low-income groups.

One common thread found amongst readers' reactions, however, is a comparison with the devolved regions of the United Kingdom.

As it stands, prescriptions are free in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Vicki Sewell referred to the hike as 'outrageous' with a country only a few miles up the road receiving it for free. 

Greg McGeorge said: "Free in Scotland, Ireland, and Wales - it should be free here." 

Mike Morris said: "Ideally it should be free, and so should dentistry. Thankfully the increase is tiny." 

Many others, like Susan McCallig, Becci Hazard and Karen Thompson have advocated for the NHS's pre-payment certificates.

The 12-month NHS prescription prepayment certificate – which covers all NHS prescriptions for a set price – is available to those who are looking for a repeat prescription. 

It also increased from £111.60 to £114.50.

Hannah Duggan said: "Prepayment certificates are the way forward for anyone who needs a lot of medication it’s about £10 a month." 

"If paying for prescriptions helps protect our NHS I’m all for it," she said. 

Mikayla Hodgson said: "I'm just grateful for the NHS, everything goes up for a reason and I'm just still thankful I don't have to pay US prices.

"Pre-payment works out at a bargain especially if you're on a few meds each month," she said. 

Steve Lewer added: "It’s good value compared to a lot of places elsewhere; in many countries, a prescription is just a letter from the doctor to the pharmacist to sell the medicine at market price," he said.