Islanders reminded to pay prescription charges

Health and Social Care (HSC) has reminded islanders a prescription charge must be paid for each item on States of Guernsey prescriptions.

The rule applies to all islanders, except those who are exempt from charges.

A spokesperson for the Prescribing Support Unit said: "All prescribing, dispensing and charging via the Pharmaceutical Service at public expense in the Bailiwick is checked.

"Claiming that you are exempt from prescription charges when you are not is an offence, and you can be prosecuted."

They added: "Doing so deprives HSC and consequently fellow islanders of much-needed funds.

"Pharmacy staff will assist where possible, but it is the responsibility of the patient to complete the declaration correctly."

People of Guernsey pension age, those who are covered under the Income Support Scheme or in receipt of Severe Disability Benefit, those who have a valid exemption certificate and those who are the dependant of someone who is covered under the Income Support Scheme are all exempt, the States said.

People who are exempt, but under pension age, are required to sign the back of the prescription form, date it and tick the reason they are exempt.

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