Patients in Wales saw prescription prices fall to £3 on April 1 as part of the Welsh Assembly Government commitment of free NHS prescriptions for everyone.
Over the past 18 months patients in Wales have seen prescription prices fall from £6 to just £3. In April 2007 prescriptions will become free for all.
Health Minister Dr Brian Gibbons said: "Making prescriptions free for all is a major part of our drive to reduce inequalities in Wales and make health services accessible to everyone.
"Free prescriptions for all is the simplest and most effective way of resolving any inequalities and inconsistencies in prescribing. To introduce exemptions to certain groups would be complex to introduce and implement. Our proposals are straightforward and effective. This way everyone benefits, from the chronically ill to the low paid.
"Research shows that many people are put off taking regular medication that would help them live healthier lives because of the cost of paying for regular prescriptions. If patients cannot afford the medicines they need to treat their condition, the long-term costs to the NHS could be far greater in terms of avoidable hospital treatment. Making prescriptions free for all is a simple way of addressing this issue.
"Our policy is unique to Wales and steps have been taken to make sure it is Welsh residents who benefit from it. We now have legislation in place which means the people entitled to reduced prescriptions are those whose medicines are prescribed by a prescriber contracted to a Welsh Local Health Board, on a Welsh prescription form and dispensed by a pharmacist in Wales.
"This continued fall in prescription prices shows our commitment to providing the best possible access to healthcare for the people of Wales."
Prescriptions in England now cost £6.65.