The Health Minister has restated that no plans to increase prescription charges will come forward during this administration.
The confirmation came in a written answer to a question from Speaker Juan Watterson.
Claire Christian pointed to the Department of Health and Social Care’s 2025/26 plan, which outlines a “phased approach to reviewing prescription eligibility and charging”.
The first phase involves amending the regulations that define who is eligible for free prescriptions. The minister stated that “policy development is well underway, with proposals expected to be brought forward to Council later this month”.
Changes
She also provided definitive clarity, adding that her department “is not bringing forward plans that introduce any changes or increases to prescription charges during this administration”.
Further policy work to create an “equitable, fair and sustainable” system for prescriptions, eyesight tests, and dental services will be considered during 2026.
The department said it is exploring mechanisms to ensure “affordability remains a key focus” in any future developments.
One on the desk of the new Health Minister come October 2026 then.