Free NHS prescriptions could be extended to three additional conditions, potentially benefiting up to two million people. Two petitions have been submitted to the Parliamentary website, calling on the Labour Party government to amend the current rules.
Petitions Call for Inclusion
The petitions request that Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and endometriosis be added to the list of conditions qualifying for free NHS prescriptions. Over 500,000 people in the UK live with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), which includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Meanwhile, endometriosis affects an estimated 1.5 million women and those assigned female at birth.
Endometriosis Campaign
A petition launched by Sophie Stock urges the government to recognise endometriosis as a qualifying long-term medical condition. The petition states: "We want the Government to add endometriosis to the list of qualifying long-term medical conditions that entitle patients in England to Medical Exemption for free NHS prescriptions." It highlights that endometriosis is an incurable chronic inflammatory condition requiring lifelong treatment, including hormone suppression, pain relief, and medications for bladder, bowel, and related complications. Despite this, it is not currently recognised for an NHS Medical Exemption Certificate, forcing many to pay prescription charges indefinitely.
IBD Campaign
A separate petition by Kirsten Legg calls for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis to be added to the Medical Exemption Certificate list. It argues that these lifelong, incurable autoimmune conditions require ongoing medication to prevent severe flare-ups, hospitalisation, and surgery. The petition notes: "Stopping treatment due to cost puts patients at risk and increases NHS burden." It criticises the exemption list, which has not been meaningfully updated since 1968, and calls for it to reflect modern medical understanding.
Petition Progress
Together, the two petitions have gathered 2,300 signatures. Each needs 10,000 signatures to trigger a government response. If they reach 100,000 signatures, they will be considered for debate in Parliament.
