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Eye-watering statistics that show an increase in the number of prescriptions issued in Wales over the last decade have drawn criticism from the Welsh Conservatives.

Figures released by the Welsh Government show the number of prescription items handed out increased by 40% in the last 10 years – with last year’s bill costing £593m.

Between 2005-06 and 2015-16 the number of prescriptions dispensed rose by 39% from 57m to 79.2m.

Welsh Conservative Shadow Secretary for Health Angela Burns AM said: “The last decade has seen Labour’s universal free prescriptions policy spiral out of control and it is clear that the Welsh Government needs to instigate an urgent review of the policy.

'Reduces burden on NHS'

“It’s not right that inexpensive items such as shampoo and paracetamol continue to be doled out at a growing expense while those who need certain kinds of treatment for cancer are denied the drugs they need.”

The party called for more emphasis on avoiding ill-health with an active lifestyle and a healthy diet.

A Welsh Government spokesman said: “We are proud that prescriptions in Wales are free for everyone, removing a barrier to long-term good health.

“We believe providing people with the medication they need helps to keep them well and reduces the burden on the Welsh NHS.

Net ingredient cost rises

“Despite the increase in the number of items prescribed costs have remained steady over the last decade.

“The number of items prescribed in 2015-16 by GPs grew at the lowest rate for many years.”

The Welsh Government said they encouraged people to make better use of their local pharmacy to help free up GPs.

Some £750,000 has been made available for health boards for this year and next year to support the Choose Pharmacy service which will see pharmacists take responsibility for managing various minor ailments.

Although free prescriptions were introduced in Wales on April 1, 2007, the net ingredient cost of prescriptions increased over the decade by 5% to £593m in 2015-16.

The data found the main reason for a prescription was for treatment of the cardiovascular system – with 23.5m items being given out.

If these were handed out equally across Wales every person registered with a GP would have more than seven prescriptions.

(Image: Alexander Raths)

'Green prescriptions' call

The most expensive items from this year are those in the stoma class, which are used for colostomy patients.

The second most prescribed drugs are for the central nervous system, which covers preparations for the management of anxiety, sleeplessness, depression, pain, epilepsy, substance misuse, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease.

Accounting for 20% of the total handed out, this class is the most expensive – accounting for 21% of the net ingredient costs.

The cost of many prescriptions have changed significantly in some cases, with the cost of malignant disease and immunosuppression items being cut by more than 50%.

At the other end of the scale anaesthesia costs have risen by 56% to more than £14 per unit.

The growing cost and prevalence of prescriptions may boost the possibility of other forms of treatment being prescribed to patients.

A recent report by the Local Government Association said that more “green prescriptions” should be prescribed in England and Wales.

Chairman of the LGA’s community wellbeing board, councillor Izzi Seccombe, said: “There are some instances where, rather than prescribing a pill, advising on some type of moderate physical activity outdoors could be far more beneficial to the patient.”

Prescription charges in Wales were frozen on April 1, 2001, and gradually reduced each year until free prescriptions were introduced on six years later.