The introduction of free NHS prescriptions in Wales in April,the regulations for which were approved by the Welsh Assembly Government this week,may lead to unaffordable increases in prescribing costs,the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry has warned.WAG initiatives,such as the adoption of national service frameworks and the new general medical services contract,are increasing prescribing costs,Richard Greville,director of the ABPI in Wales,said."It is not clear whether the potential increased demand from patients in Wales [if NHS prescriptions were free] can be afforded within the currendy allocated prescribing budget,"he warned.
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