Asthma UK Cymru hails double breakthrough
02 April 2007

Gallwch hefyd ddarllen y tudalen hwn yn y Gymraeg.

The introduction of free prescriptions in Wales, along with the ban on smoking in public places in the country, have both been welcomed by Asthma UK Cymru.

Free prescriptions for all were introduced on 1 April, with the smoking ban taking effect on 2 April.

Wales is the first country in the UK to introduce free prescriptions. Asthma UK Cymru views this policy as an essential step forward in improving access to healthcare for people with asthma - a serious, widespread but controllable condition. It is also hoped that the move will put pressure on the rest of the UK to follow suit.

Nia Jeffreys, National Director of Asthma UK Cymru said: ‘Free prescriptions will be life-changing for people with asthma in Wales, many of whom have not been able to afford their prescriptions up until now. This vital change in policy will ensure that these people receive fair and equal access to the medication they truly need.’

Of the smoking ban, Nia commented: ‘For people with asthma the effects of smoking can be deadly. 79% of people with asthma in Wales tell us that cigarette smoke makes their symptoms worse and 14% of full and part-time workers with asthma have told us that they are exposed to other people’s cigarette smoke at work.

‘The legislation will be truly life-changing for these people. It will ensure that they are protected from second-hand smoke in the workplace and allow them to socialise in enclosed public places without the fear of a fatal asthma attack.’

Research also suggests that smoking may not only be a trigger for asthma but may actually cause the condition. Asthma UK Cymru is currently funding a research project at the University of Wales in Swansea led by Dr Catherine Thornton that aims to find out why children born to women who smoke during pregnancy are more likely to develop asthma and allergies.

Wales has one of the highest rates of asthma in the world with 1 in 12 adults and 1 in 10 children affected.