Keep Scotland a free drug zone!

There's been a bit of a hoo-ha this week with the release of figures showing an increase in the cost of prescriptions in Scotland since the prescription charge was abolished. Calton would just like to point out that the percentage increase in the cost of drugs dispensed to sick Scots between 2010 and 2011 is actually only 2.2%, which is well below the rate of inflation for those years, and therefore represents pretty good value for money in Calton's opinion. As he has said before, no Scot should have to stand in a pharmacy with a much-needed prescription, wondering if they can actually afford to pay for it. In this respect, Scotland leads the way in setting a good example to our southern neighbours. Re-introducing charges would definitely be a backward step.