Health campaigner slams Labour's 'illness lottery'

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 26th Sep 2008

Rochdale health campaigner, Councillor Jean Ashworth, has slammed Gordon Brown's decision to allow free prescriptions for cancer patients in England but not all patients suffering from long-term illness. The Prime Minister announced in his speech at the Labour conference that as of next year this new policy would be put in place. Currently Scotland is the only country in the UK that enjoys free prescriptions for all.

Councillor Ashworth said: "I welcome the decision for free prescriptions for cancer patients but I think Gordon Brown has missed a golden opportunity to help many others suffering from life threatening conditions. Take asthma for example. At the moment one in four children suffer from asthma in the UK and when they reach 16, many of them can't afford to pay for their prescriptions.

"Asthma is a life threatening disease. If people do not receive the medication they need they will die. Nobody should have to pay to breathe.

"I have campaigned for free prescriptions for people suffering from life threatening diseases since 2000. I have written many letters, given presentations and attended rallies in support of this cause. I have even had many high profile people such as Sir Trevor Mcdonald, Richard and Judy and Sir Cyril Smith backing me in my campaign.

"Gordon Brown has let millions of people down yet again. Nye Bevan will be spinning in his grave at this decision.

"I promise the people of Rochdale that I will continue my campaign for justice and fairness in the NHS."

Rochdale MP Paul Rowen said: "This is a welcome decision but only part of the problem. We've heard about postcode lotteries in the NHS, this is a lottery based on illness.

"I will be pressing the Prime Minister when Parliament sits again to widen his policy, just like in Scotland.

"I know that Jean has been at the forefront of this campaign for many years and I am pleased to back her."