Explanatory Note
(This note is not part of the Regulations)
These Regulations further amend the National Health Service (Charges for Drugs and Appliances) (Scotland) Regulations 1989 (“the principal Regulations”) which provide for the making and recovery of charges for drugs and appliances (other than dental or optical appliances) supplied by chemists and doctors under or by virtue of the National Health Service (Scotland) Act 1978.
Regulation 2 amends the principal Regulations so that all persons who have attained the age of 60 years shall be exempt from paying charges for such drugs and appliances, whereas previously men had to have attained the age of 65.
The amendment is made in order to comply with Council Directive 79/7/EEC on the progressive implementation of the principle of equal treatment for men and women in matters of social security (OJ No. L6, 10.1.79, p.24).