Almost 220,000 free prescriptions were issued to state pensioners below the age of 75 last year.

And under proposals as part of public consultation last week, 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, the Department of Health and Social Care has confirmed.

Under proposals unveiled this week, 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.

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

Patients with specific medical conditions such as epilepsy and diabetes will 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.

But while children, the over-75s and those on benefits will still get free prescriptions, sight tests and dental treatment, there are concerns that the changes will impact on struggling pensioners and other vulnerable people.