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Scottish Conservative MSP Stephen Kerr has slammed the SNP government for making taxpayers cover the cost of 'free' prescriptions for basic painkillers like paracetamol and ibuprofen on the NHS. An analysis conducted by Kerr, first reported in The Telegraph, revealed that the NHS Scotland pays as much as £8.53 per pack of paracetamol under its free prescription policy. Public Health Scotland data shows that nearly 2.5 million prescriptions for the common painkiller were issued in 2023-24, costing more than £14 million. Including an estimated £7 million to cover the pharmacy "dispensing fee", the total cost equates to £8.53 per prescription. In contrast, paracetamol can be purchased for as little as 37p in supermarkets. Similarly, Kerr's analysis found that ibuprofen-available over the counter for just 39p-cost the NHS £6.87 per prescription. Kerr condemned the costs as "beyond absurd," accusing the SNP of financial mismanagement.

Numark continues to expand its own-label OTC range as more and more customers seek affordable, trusted alternatives to branded products, driven by the cost-of-living crisis. The organisation has announced that it now offers the largest own label OTC range in the UK pharmacy wholesale market, available to independent pharmacy, with almost 300 products across multiple categories. In addition to growing its product offering, Numark has undertaken a full packaging re-design of all products to modernize the brand's look while enhancing consumer choice and value. Numark's own label range includes common OTC medicines like paracetamol, ibuprofen, loperamide and treatments for common ailments such as coughs, colds and allergies. They also offer a comprehensive range of vitamins, baby products, footcare, personal care, and health and beauty accessories. Jennifer Rann, head of OTC at Numark said: "We are incredibly proud to be the largest own label OTC offering in pharmacy wholesale. Our Numark product range provides quality and value for our UK members and their customers."