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A number of medical treatments which are currently prescribed by the NHS are set to be axed.

An NHS governing body will consult on the plans to cut 17 products from a list of medication which should be routinely prescribed by GPs, including treatments for head lice , sunburn and common colds.

The move comes as health bosses have said the conditions can improve on their own with time or can be treated with shop bought medicine.

The plan has been put forward by NHS Liverpool's governing body, reports Liverpool Echo.

It has caused uproar among councillors in Liverpool, who claim it shows weakness in the health service and some branding the move "disgusting".

(Image: SHARED CONTENT UNIT)

Members of the council's health and adult social care select committee passed an emergency motion opposing the move last night, amid concerns that the removal of these products will leave the poorest people struggling to treat certain conditions.

The 17 conditions that face being cut all feature on a longer NHS England list published last year of conditions which it said local health bosses could consider removing from GP prescription lists.

The conditions that prescriptions face being cut for include:

Acute Sore Throat

Coughs and colds and nasal congestion

Cradle Cap (except where causing distress or not improving)

Dandruff

Head Lice

Infant Colic

Infrequent Constipation

Mild Cystitis

Mild Dry Skin/Sunburn

Minor burns and scalds

Mouth ulcers

Prevention of dental caries

Probiotics

Sun Protection (except ACBS approved indication of photodermatoses)

Vitamins and minerals (except a medically diagnosed deficiency,

osteoporosis and malnutrition)

osteoporosis and malnutrition) Warts and Verrucae

(Image: PA)

Councillor Paul Kenyon, who is a member of the select committee, said: "This city already has a high level of deprivation and these changes could leave people having to make a choice between head lice lotion and food.

"This report seeks to privatise certain minor health issues. Conditions such as head lice will only be treated by people who can afford to do so and the poorest will be left to suffer. It is completely unacceptable."

Health bosses say those most likely to be affected by the changes will be consulted and that no final decision has been made.

(Image: PA)

They have also underlined that GPs would still have discretion to give prescriptions if circumstances call for it.

But Dr Fiona Lemmens NHS Liverpool CCG chair, said they have to make sure limited resources are used effectively.

Dr Lemmens said: “We really want local people to tell us what they think about our proposed changes first.

“If there are any other circumstances than the ones we’ve already outlined, where limiting prescriptions for these items might affect or disadvantage people, we want to hear about it - and we’ll be going out into different communities over the coming weeks to help make sure we gather views from people right across the city.”

But councillor Angela Coleman said she felt the removal of the medicines was one of a number of 'incremental cuts' to the health service in the city that could have lasting damage.

Councillor Coleman said: "It will directly affect the health choices of the very poorest in our society if they have to pay for medications that were previously available free on prescription, and as a socialist I believe good health care is a basic requirement, regardless of ability to pay."