Prescriptions for some minor conditions to be cut

The current cost of a prescription is £3.85 per item

Prescriptions for "minor conditions" such as conjunctivitis and cystitis are set to be cut to save money and free up GP appointments on the Isle of Man, the health department has said.

The change applies to medicines that can be readily bought without a prescription in island supermarkets and pharmacies, such as paracetamol, throat lozenges or vitamins.

From 29 January, patients will instead be advised which treatments or medication to purchase by their GP, nurse or pharmacist.

A spokeswoman said the money saved would be redirected towards treating serious conditions such as diabetes, cancer and heart disease.

"The current cost of a prescription is £3.85 per item, compared to boxes of paracetamol that are available for less than £1," she said.

Patients using over-the-counter medications as part of the management or treatment of a more long-term condition will continue to receive it on prescription.

Right care

The new Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) policy applies to medications used for minor ailments that ordinarily clear up without treatment or for conditions that are appropriate for treatment at home.

They include minor burns and scalds, haemorrhoids, dandruff, head lice and colic.

Minister Lawrie Hooper MHK said the move was "a step in the right direction" to providing "an efficient, accessible and sustainable service".

It has recently been confirmed the DHSC was £30m over budget in 2023-24.

Pharmaceutical Adviser for Manx Care Maria Bell said the change was part of a plan to make sure "people receive the right care, at the right time, and in the right place".

But she said pharmacists would "always advise those with more concerning or serious symptoms" to access urgent care.

If symptoms were not improving or responding to treatment, patients would be encouraged to seek further advice, she added.