Some woo being cut out..

[Rhiannon]

Indeed you can.

Could someone tell me whether the public policy in respect of these drugs does not fall foul of the Equality Act (2010)? Oral contraceptives are prescribed free to women who want to enjoy a sex life without becoming pregnant, but PDE5 inhibitors, for men, are largely available only on private prescription. Surely, this is discriminating on the grounds of sex?

A woman avoiding an unwanted pregnancy benefits both partners. And pregnancy, termination and childbirth are all potentially harmful to the woman.

Contraception is about far more than being able to enjoy sex.

[Rhiannon]

There are so many grey areas in this subject that no simple decisions can be made. But I think Floo has a point about those whose first priorities are smoking, drinking, and in many cases animals.

So what are you saying, that people on benefits shouldn't keep animals? 

[Nearly Sane]

So what are you saying, that people on benefits shouldn't keep animals? 

Only the smoking and drinking animals

[SusanDoris]

So what are you saying, that people on benefits shouldn't keep animals? 

If I had meant that particularly, I'd have said so.
In general terms, there seems to be a feeling that people have a right to smoke, etc. When I was very short of money, I had to budget carefully, not rely on being given things.
I am not going into the subject of benefits etc.

[Rhiannon]

If I had meant that particularly, I'd have said so.
In general terms, there seems to be a feeling that people have a right to smoke, etc. When I was very short of money, I had to budget carefully, not rely on being given things.
I am not going into the subject of benefits etc.

Fair enough, but I still don't get the mention of animals.

[jeremyp]

Yes! How many people who claim poverty smoke and drink?

How many people who claim poverty don't smoke and drink? Do they deserve to be punished for the actions ofd the ones that do?

[jeremyp]

Also, children qualify for free prescriptions which I think should also be protected.

How many children smoke and drink....

[jeremyp]

As the NHS is strapped for cash only meds which you can't buy over the counter should be on prescription

I don't get that logic.

[jeremyp]

The second point I want to make is about a drug which has restored the ability of men to enjoy consensual relations with their wives. Unfortunately, the prurient software which this forum uses censors my attempts to mention it.

Techy note: The filter that prevents you from writing "vi*gra" is nothing to do with the board software. If I had any control over it, it would not be there, believe me.

[Bubbles]

-
Though this doesn't apply to Scotland, I'm concerned.
What if the person cannot afford paracetamol yet does not qualify for free prescriptions?

If they buy the paracetamol at Lidl it's about 30p

[Bubbles]

Some places it's only 19p

Apparently there isn't much difference. Not enough to pay expensive prices.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/money-saving-tips/11956383/Should-I-spend-1.45-on-branded-painkillers-or-19p-at-the-supermarket.html

[Robbie]

Indeed you can.

Could someone tell me whether the public policy in respect of these drugs does not fall foul of the Equality Act (2010)? Oral contraceptives are prescribed free to women who want to enjoy a sex life without becoming pregnant, but PDE5 inhibitors, for men, are largely available only on private prescription. Surely, this is discriminating on the grounds of sex?

PDE5 inhibitors are not contraceptives.Indeed, not using PDE5 inhibitors inhibits conception so no comparison. Same with v i a g r a & c i a l i s.

As Rose said paracetamol can be bought cheaply & GPs tell patients when a drug is cheaper over the counter than on prescription. Antihistamines are another example.

Pain killers are not just paracetamol though, stronger ones are more expensive and if needed should be prescribed.

Regarding people on benefits are there resources for beneftis personnel to visit and check if they smoke & drink or have pets? Documentaries and the likes of the Daily Mail highlight depressed areas where majority are on benefits smoke,drink & own pets but there are plenty of other people who do not fit into that category who desperately need medication.

[Anchorman]

If they buy the paracetamol at Lidl it's about 30p

-
And?
Rose, in all seriousness, I know several situations where a family struggles to find 30p.

[Anchorman]

Some places it's only 19p

Apparently there isn't much difference. Not enough to pay expensive prices.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/money-saving-tips/11956383/Should-I-spend-1.45-on-branded-painkillers-or-19p-at-the-supermarket.html

-
19p plus bus fare if you don't live in a city and the nearest pharmacist is six miles or more away.
So, at least £6 return, then.

[Bubbles]

-
19p plus bus fare if you don't live in a city and the nearest pharmacist is six miles or more away.
So, at least £6 return, then.

I just pick up a packet when I'm going shopping anyway.

I think people on benefits should get a free prescription for them, children too.

I work, so I can afford to buy my own and given a prescription costs me nearly a tenner nowadays.

The chemist near me told me they are obligated to tell customers when things on a prescription cost less over the counter.

Hay fever tablets are cheaper over the counter.

 

[Bubbles]

I've tried alternatives like Manuka honey for healing the skin, but I bought it myself, with the doctors blessing.

People will still be able to try things now and again.

It's just it's not really up to the NHS to prescribe things that don't have a proven track record.

Alternatives are luxuries, really.

[Robbie]

-
19p plus bus fare if you don't live in a city and the nearest pharmacist is six miles or more away.
So, at least £6 return, then.

Things like paracetamol can be bought in corner shops/newsagents and aren't dear. Don't know how much but they aren't as epensive as somewhere, say, like Boots and far cheaper than prescription.

Still I do think everything should be available on prescription, free, if people qualify such as children, elderly and those on benefts. There isn't the manpower available to chekc the reliability of every patient.

Thinking back to the post about treatment for erectile dysfunction contrasting with free contraceptives for women, HRT used not to be free (that may have changed tho doubt it), prescriptions had to be paid for.  Both are non essential but important to patients concerned.  Contraceptives prescribed to women benefit women,men and society in general.

[Anchorman]

Fortunately, Scotland does not charge for prescribed medicine.

[Robbie]

That is amazing!  You mean, if someone under 65 not on benefits needs a prescribed med, they get it free?  If so I am delighted.

[Gordon]

That is amazing!  You mean, if someone under 65 not on benefits needs a prescribed med, they get it free?  If so I am delighted.

Yep - prescriptions are free here in Scotland.

[Anchorman]

Wot Gordon said. And we won't go down the road of privatising our NHS either.