A petition calling for a review of free NHS prescription rules for multiple sclerosis (MS) patients is gaining traction. Created by Kirsty Elton, the petition must reach 10,000 signatures by September 27 to trigger a government response.
Petition Demands Update to Exemption List
The petition urges the UK government to "review and update the NHS medical exemption list to include lifelong neurological conditions requiring continuous medication, including Multiple Sclerosis (MS)." The MS Society estimates that around 150,000 people in the UK live with MS.
Kirsty Elton states: "The current list has not been meaningfully reviewed for decades and does not reflect modern understanding of chronic neurological illness, placing ongoing financial burden on those with permanent conditions in England."
How the Petition Process Works
If the petition secures 10,000 signatures, the government will respond. Should it reach 100,000 signatures, it will be considered for debate in Parliament.
Currently, certain groups automatically qualify for free NHS prescriptions. Others can apply for certificates. Some prescribed items, such as contraceptives and medication for hospital inpatients, are always free.
Current Medical Exemption Criteria
According to the NHS website, people with specific medical conditions can obtain a medical exemption certificate. These conditions include:
- Permanent fistula requiring continuous surgical dressing or appliance
- Hypoadrenalism (e.g., Addison's disease)
- Diabetes insipidus and other forms of hypopituitarism
- Diabetes mellitus (except when treated by diet alone)
- Hypoparathyroidism
- Myasthenia gravis
- Myxoedema (hypothyroidism requiring hormone replacement)
- Epilepsy requiring continuous anticonvulsive therapy
- Continuing physical disability preventing the patient from going out without help
- Cancer
Advocates argue that MS and other lifelong neurological conditions should be added to this list to alleviate financial strain on patients.
