ASTHMA is killing dozens of people in East Lancashire because they cannot afford the soaring price of prescriptions, a campaign boss warned today.

The shock claim comes days after the Government increased the prescription cost of one item by 25p to £5.50.

Leading campaigner Ann Wainwright today revealed that about 80 per cent of asthma deaths were avoidable.

And she said many cash-strapped sufferers were dying because they were unable to fork out for the high cost of prescriptions.

She said the big expense of drugs was forcing sufferers to be selective in paying for treatment while sufferers from other conditions were able to get financial help.

Some were only paying for the popular blue "reliever" inhaler and overlooking the brown "preventer" nebuliser which controls symptoms.

Ann, co-ordinator of the Blackburn, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley branch of the National Asthma Campaign (NAC), said: "Research has shown that 80 per cent of asthma deaths are totally avoidable.

"They are usually down to the bad management of the condition and self-management and education are things we are keen to promote.

"People think they can do without certain drugs, but they need to take all the treatments. In the UK there is an asthma death every four hours."

Ann has also called for a shake-up of the annual season ticket system which is designed to cut the cost of prescriptions.

Research by the National Asthma Campaign has shown that few sufferers are aware that the system even exists. Patients can either pay a lump sum of £78.40 for a yearly season ticket or £28.50 every four months.

Campaign chiefs are demanding a review of the current system to ensure it is affordable to people on low incomes. A monthly payment option which would spread the cost has been suggested.

But Ann said a stamp system, similar to payment of gas and electricity bills, should be introduced.

The NAC is also conducting a survey of pharmacists, GPs and nurses. Campaign chief executive Melinda Letts said: "Prescription charges were originally meant to help pay for the NHS.

"But their cost is now so high - often more than the drug itself - that people with asthma and other long-term medical conditions are effectively subsidising the Government."

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