More than 2,170 people have signed an e-petition calling for the Manx government to drop proposed changes to prescription charges.

The change.org petition, launched by Emma Tapping on Saturday, is entitled ’Stop The Isle of Man Government Charging Our Pensioners/Chronic Illness For Prescriptions’.

Emma, who lives in Douglas, states: ’The Isle of Man Government is making decisions to raise the prescription charges to age 75. Also sufferers of chronic illnesses with exemption certificates are to be charged.

’Many pensioners/chronic illness patients will suffer which could result in them stopping important medications clearly because they cannot afford it.’

Under proposals that have been put out to public consultation, state pensioners below the age of 75 will lose the right to free prescriptions, eye tests and dental treatment - in a move that will save £1m-plus a year.

Patients with specific medical conditions such as epilepsy and diabetes will no longer be able to apply for an exemption. Women who are pregnant or who have given birth in the past 12 months will also no longer be exempt.