The NHS are cracking down on these conditions
The UK public has been alerted to a startling development: nearly 40 medical conditions will no longer receive treatment from the NHS.
The NHS is beginning to reduce expenditures on common ailments that can be managed with over-the-counter medications.
Now, if you have a minor sickness, you’ll have to handle it yourself instead of going to the doctor.
In the past, you could just visit the doctor and get a prescription for your minor issues, but now you’ll need to buy the medicine yourself.
Since some of these illnesses happen a lot, it’s going to be a hassle to keep buying the medicine over and over again.
But for the NHS, it saves vital resources which could be better used elsewhere.
Here’s what you can’t get help from the doctor’s office anymore.
It’s in a bid to save the NHS money better spent elsewhere. (SimpleImages / Getty Images)
Coughs, colds and nasal congestion
Say goodbye to asking for cough syrups or nasal sprays as you won’t be able to have it treated at the doctors.
As many of these products can be purchased away from the pharmacy, there’s really no need to bother the practice with it.
Conjunctivitis
A really bad eye problem can make gross stuff come out of your eye, and it might even stick your eye shut while you’re sleeping. If you get conjunctivitis, you’ll need to go to the store to buy medicine for it yourself.
This change is happening so the NHS can limit prescriptions for some medications, which could help save them a lot of money every year.
Mild to moderate hayfever and seasonal rhinitis
If you suffer from hay fever and need relief from your allergies, consider checking the supermarket for antihistamines.
As reported by Express, these recommendations received significant backing when initially discussed, meaning you can now avoid the hassle of getting a prescription.
Oral thrush
Common conditions like Oral Thrush will no longer be treated by the GP. (Tunatura / Getty Images)
Yes, even oral thrush isn’t going to get you a prescription.
This condition causes white spots to appear on the tongue and throat, and it often happens in babies.
The reason for this?
River View Surgery, as reported by the Mirror, stated that in 2015/16, GPs wrote 1.1 billion prescriptions totaling £9.2 billion. While most prescriptions were deemed necessary, a significant number were for medications, products, or treatments that do not need a prescription and can be bought over the counter at pharmacies, supermarkets, gas stations, convenience stores, or other retailers, often at a lower price than what the NHS pays.
Adult constipation
Many illnesses can be treated at home. (Antonio Hugo Photo / Getty Images)
This sickness might make you spend a lot of time in the bathroom, so it’s a good idea to have some over-the-counter medicine handy that you can get without a prescription to help you feel better.
According to NHS England, they spent £22.8 million on treating constipation, so we should try to avoid adding to those expenses.
Athlete’s foot
Even though it’s unsightly and uncomfortable, the NHS spent £3 million on athlete’s foot and other fungal infections every year when it could be taken care of at home.
Many individuals spend £4.5 million on dandruff shampoos, a common issue for many. Fortunately, these shampoos are readily available in most retail outlets.
Simon Stevens, the chief executive of NHS England, commented on the situation: “The NHS is one of the most efficient health services globally, but we aim to ensure that taxpayers’ money is spent wisely. The NHS should not cover treatments that offer limited value, and it is logical to reduce prescriptions for medications that patients can purchase for significantly less than the NHS cost.”
When these changes were implemented two years ago, they also impacted other conditions, as noted by River View Surgery. These included sore throats, occasional cold sores, cradle cap, hemorrhoids, infant colic, mild cystitis, mild skin irritations, dry or sore eyes, earwax buildup, excessive sweating, head lice, indigestion, heartburn, occasional migraines, insect bites, mild acne, dry skin, sunburn, sun protection, minor burns, pain and fever, mouth ulcers, diaper rash, preventing tooth decay, ringworm or athlete’s foot, teething or mild tooth pain, threadworms, travel sickness, and warts.
Featured Image Credit: Mike Kemp/In Pictures via Getty Images