The price of NHS prescriptions is set to rise up to £9 each from Monday.
This comes after the Government increased the price of prescriptions from £8.60 to £8.80 last year. From 1st April 2019, that price will increase by another 20p to £9.
Charities have warned the move could put millions of lives at risk, as some people could be unable to afford the drugs they require long-term.
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With a third of people already said to be struggling to keep up with the costs of their essential medication, charities are concerned further price rises could put people at risk.
Lloyd Tingley, chair of the Prescriptions Charges Coalition and Parkinson's UK, told The Sun: "It is extremely disappointing that yet again, the Government plans to increase prescription charges.
"Since 2010 the prescription charge has risen by 26 per cent compared to a rise in average earnings of 16 per cent over the same period.
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"Working age people with long term conditions simply can't sustain this."
He claimed the price hike is a "complete contradiction" to the NHS Long Term Plan which bid to prevent chronic ill health.
"While it is positive that the cost of the Pre-Payment Certificate has been frozen, this is still a large upfront cost for individuals and families who the Government should be helping, not punishing, for having a long-term condition."
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However, people who pay for regular prescriptions could save thousands by getting a 'prescription season ticket' which covers the cost of all prescriptions over a certain time period.
Prices will be frozen at £29.10 for three months or £104 per year.
These charges only apply to patients in England though, as prescriptions will continue to be free in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
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When the 20p hike from £8.60 to £8.80 was announced last year, NHS bosses said the rise was 'in line with inflation.'
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