Common remedies for minor ailments like migraines, sore throats, and cold sores are to be axed from NHS prescriptions to curb spending.

In a bold move aimed at slashing unnecessary spending, the NHS has announced it will no longer prescribe treatments for 36 common conditions. This new directive means patients will have to pay out of pocket for items like cough syrups, paracetamol, and sun cream, which have been deemed low-priority by NHS England.

Conditions affected by the change include cold sores, migraines, sore throats, conjunctivitis, and other minor ailments. Patients will now need to purchase over-the-counter remedies instead of expecting prescriptions from their GPs, as the NHS shifts its focus to more critical areas of care.

This decision comes after a public consultation revealed widespread support for reducing the burden on the NHS by cutting back on treatments that can be bought cheaply at local pharmacies or supermarkets. According to the health service, many of these over-the-counter products are often sold at significantly lower prices than what the NHS would pay if prescribed. For example, simple items like paracetamol, which cost mere pennies at the supermarket, can cost the NHS several times that amount when dispensed through its system.

Figures reveal just how much these minor treatments have been costing the NHS. Data from NHS England shows that an astonishing £22.8 million was spent annually on remedies for constipation alone, while treatments for athlete’s foot and other fungal infections accounted for nearly £3 million. Dandruff shampoos, a seemingly trivial expense, added another £4.5 million to the bill.

The crackdown on these prescriptions is part of a broader initiative by NHS England to streamline costs and allocate funds more effectively. The sheer scale of prescriptions issued by the NHS highlights why these changes are being made. In 2015/16 alone, GPs across England issued 1.1 billion prescription items, costing the health service around £9.2 billion. However, according to River View Surgery, while the majority of these prescriptions were necessary, a significant portion covered items that patients could easily purchase on their own.

NHS England’s chief executive, Simon Stevens, defended the move, stressing that it is a necessary step to ensure that the NHS remains sustainable. “The NHS is one of the most efficient health services in the world,” Stevens stated, “but we’re determined to make taxpayers’ money go further. The NHS should not be paying for low-value treatments, and it’s right that we reduce prescriptions for medicines that patients can buy for a fraction of the price.”

Stevens pointed out that by cutting back on these prescriptions, the NHS can redirect funds to more urgent areas, ensuring that critical care remains accessible to those who need it most. He emphasised that the decision was not taken lightly but is essential to safeguard the future of healthcare in the UK. The prescription overhaul reflects a growing focus on reducing waste and optimising resources within the public health system.

Critics, however, have voiced concerns that the move might disproportionately affect low-income patients who may struggle to afford these over-the-counter remedies. In response, NHS officials have suggested that patients consult with pharmacists for advice on the most cost-effective treatments available, emphasising that this change is intended to promote self-care and reduce dependency on NHS resources for minor health concerns.

The list of affected items includes not just common painkillers and cough syrups, but also everyday products like eye drops and sun cream, which many patients have relied on through their GP prescriptions. While these may seem like minor cuts, the cumulative savings are expected to free up millions of pounds each year, which could be reallocated to areas like cancer treatment, emergency care, and mental health services.

As part of this transition, the NHS is also urging the public to adopt a more self-sufficient approach to managing minor illnesses, encouraging individuals to purchase these products themselves and seek advice from community pharmacies rather than turning to their GP for routine prescriptions.

With these new guidelines coming into effect, patients are advised to speak to their healthcare providers for clarity on what will and will not be covered moving forward. The NHS remains committed to delivering high-quality care, but it is clear that in a time of budgetary constraints, difficult decisions are being made to prioritise where those resources are best utilised.