After facing a barrage of criticism about proposals to increase prescription charges, health chiefs say there have been some ’misconceptions’.

Answers to some of the most frequently asked questions on proposed changes in contributions towards the cost of prescriptions, sight tests and dental treatment have been published by the Department of Health and Social Care.

Minister for Health and Social Care Kate Beecroft MHK said: ’Since launching our public consultation a fortnight ago, it is clear that a number of misconceptions have begun circulating - for example, that parents will have to pay for their child’s prescription.

’The department has undertaken a comprehensive review of contributions and exemptions, developing proposals that aim to ensure fairness and consistency across the board. These proposals affect a number of areas and so I appreciate there is a level of detail for people to take in.

’I hope the frequently asked questions (FAQs) will help the public to more clearly understand the department’s proposals."

The department has received a number of queries as part of its consultation process and the FAQs seek to address these, not least making clear that those who would be required to contribute £5 towards the cost of their prescription would be able to get all their medication for a flat rate of £60 a year with a 12-month pre-payment certificate.

More than £17 million was spent on prescription medication last year, with less than £700,000 received in contributions towards that cost.

The FAQs say:

Anyone on benefits would continue to be exempt from making a contribution, as would children under 16 year of age or and those in full time education under 19 years of age

Contraception would remain free

The cost of contributions people make to prescriptions hasn’t increased in seven years

People who are not exempt but feel that paying prescription charges would be prohibitive to them would be able to ask for a review, with applications considered on a case by case basis

Means testing proposals are in development through the Cabinet Office but this is a complex piece of work which will take significant time to deliver

Mrs Beecroft added: ’These proposals remain just that - proposals.

’The department is consulting and I am encouraged that there is a healthy public debate and a range of differing views coming forward.

The department will listen to feedback, but we must be realistic that if we are to safeguard services, develop new ones and tackle our financial challenge, we must be more sustainable through being more efficient, and able to maximise income in a way that is fair.

The public consultation runs until September 12 and further information is available online at consult.gov.im.

In this week’s Isle of Man Examiner, diabetics hit out at the increase in charges they would face.

Earlier this month the Manx Independent reported that almost 220,000 free prescriptions were issued to state pensioners below the age of 75 last year.

And under proposals they will have to pay for their prescription in future.

As at July 1 this year, there were 10,032 people aged 65 to 74 registered with a GP.

A total of 217,780 prescriptions were issued to people in that age range between April last year and the end of March this year.

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

Others who would no longer be exempt from making a contribution to charges would be women who are pregnant or who had given birth in the past 12 months.

Patients with specific medical conditions such as epilepsy and diabetes would no longer be able to apply for an exemption.

And for those who will have to pay, prescription charges are also going up, as is the cost of dental treatment, while ’free’ eye tests will now be every two years - and you will have to pay a £10 contribution, which has led to criticism from the Manx Blind Welfare Society.