People being treated for cancer can now apply for free prescriptions. From 1 April, all prescriptions - not just those related to the cancer treatment - will be available to cancer patients at no charge.

The Department of Health said patients will be able to renew five-year charge exemption certificates as many times as necessary and these will not have to be returned if a patient's condition changes.

It is thought up to 150,000 patients already diagnosed with cancer will benefit from the scheme originally announced by prime minister Gordon Brown last year.

Savings

Savings of up to£100 a year per person are predicted.

Patients who do not receive their certificates in time can have prescription charges paid since 1 April refunded.

The scheme is likely to be extended to all people living with long-term conditions "in due course", said the DH.

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