The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) is currently unable to confirm whether or not NHS prescription charges will be uplifted in 2024.
The NHS prescription charge and the cost of Prescription Pre-payment Certificates (PPCs) are reviewed annually with changes usually made in April, but this year the Government has yet to conclude consideration of any increase to prescription charges. The current charges will therefore roll over into April 2024 while further consideration is given.
Community Pharmacy England will update community pharmacy teams as soon as any changes are announced by Ministers, including details of when they will be implemented.
In summary:
For prescriptions dispensed in April 2024, NHS prescription charges will remain at £9.65 per item.
The cost of PPCs will also remain unchanged for April 2024.
Pharmacies should already be displaying a notice showing the prescription charge and, as there is currently no change, they can continue to use that. However, should you wish to refresh your poster, our updated Prescription Charge Card – showing as accurate from 1st April 2024 – can be downloaded below.
Prescription Charge Card – April 2024 (colour)
Prescription Charge Card – April 2024 (black and white)
Both versions of the card have been designed to be easy to download and print for display in community pharmacies.
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