Patients with 'minor conditions' will have to buy medication over the counter

Items like paracetamol, lozenges and vitamins won't be available on prescription

People suffering from ‘minor conditions’ will no longer be able to get a prescription for treatment if the medication is readily available over the counter.

Instead, from 29 January, they’ll be advised which treatments or medicine to purchase by their GP, nurse or community pharmacist.

This will primarily affect medications including paracetamol, throat lozenges and vitamins as well as items used to treat conditions like colic, indigestion, dandruff and cystitis.

The Department of Health and Social Care claims these items are often cheaper to buy directly when compared to the current cost of a prescription which is £3.85 per item.

Anybody using over the counter medication as part of the management or treatment of a long-term condition will continue to receive it on prescription.

Health and Social Care Minister Lawrie Hooper said: “This policy is a step in the right direction to ensure we’re providing an efficient, accessible and sustainable service and that we’re using our resources effectively.

“I’d encourage everyone to make better use of the wealth of experience and advice available to us all at our local community pharmacies and other services available in the community.”

The DHSC also claims this policy change will reduce the number of GP appointments used for the assessment of minor conditions – ensuring more vulnerable patients can be seen in a timely manner.

Manx Care says it’s often more expensive to supply over the counter medication than for people to buy it themselves.

It adds money saved from doing this will be re-directed towards treating ‘serious conditions’ including diabetes, cancer and heart disease.

Maria Bell is a Pharmaceutical Adviser for Manx Care and said: “We hope that this will build upon the wider awareness campaign to help the public make greater use of existing community pharmacy services on the Island.

“These changes support the strategic plan for health and social care aspiring to ensure that people receive the right care, at the right time, and in the right place.

“We would like to reassure patients that pharmacists will always advise those with more concerning or serious symptoms (red flag symptoms) to access more appropriate and urgent care.

“Additionally if symptoms are not improving or responding to treatment, patients will be encouraged to seek further advice.”

You can find more information HERE.