New figures show that NHS Highland dispensed 7,060,967 free prescriptions last year following the abolition of prescription charges in Scotland.
Research from the Scottish Parliament Information Centre found that households in Scotland received an average of 44.5 prescriptions during 2024 to 2025.
With prescriptions costing £9.90 each in England, that equates to an average saving of £440.50 per household in Scotland.
The policy to abolish prescription charges was introduced in 2011.
With Nigel Farage’s Reform party talking about introducing charges in Scotland, SNP candidate Eilidh Munro has said that the SNP is the only party which can be trusted in this area.
SNP candidate for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch Eilidh Munro said the figures demonstrate the financial benefit to families.
“The cost of essentials such as groceries and energy bills has continued to soar under the Labour Party putting a strain on household finances.
“Thanks to the SNP abolishing prescription charges in 2011, people in the Highlands do not need to worry about being able to pay for essential medicines for themselves or their families and households are saving an average of nearly £450 a year.
“Scotland continues to provide the most comprehensive cost-of-living support anywhere in the UK with SNP policies including ending peak rail fares, free university tuition, free school meals and childcare, free personal care and prescriptions, the Scottish Child Payment and the Baby Box putting thousands of pounds back in people’s pockets.
“Voting SNP on 7th May is the only way to protect and improve Scotland’s NHS, prioritise the cost of living, and secure a fresh start with independence.”
Prescription charges remain in place in England, Wales and Northern Ireland under different systems.
