Prescription charges were first introduced in 1952 for patients in the community and, except for a three-year period between 1965 and 1968, have been levied ever since. The flat rate prescription charge (currently £6.50) does not relate directly to the cost of the prescribed item or the cost to the NHS of supplying it, but is a contribution towards the cost of the service as a whole. Click here to view non NHS Fees and Services