Anonymity is granted only at the discretion of the editor, who also reserves the right to edit letters.

Medical mystery

Although it clearly makes sense that the Government should not be paying for unnecessary prescriptions – over-the-counter medicines for “self-limiting” conditions” (SA 7th Dec) - I would like to raise a couple of issues in relation to paracetamol which is specifically mentioned in the article.

Although Paracetamol is most commonly used for “self-limiting” conditions, such as a headache or a cold, it is also used for the control of chronic pain. In such circumstances it is perfectly reasonable for GPs to prescribe it because they can order more than 32 tablets – which is the limit that one can buy over-the-counter.

More importantly, why is NHS England or the CCG paying £34 for 32 tablets (as quoted in the article), when they can be purchased in a pharmacy for around £1 – or even less?

MALCOLM MORRISON, Retired orthopaedic surgeon, Old Town, Swindon

Perfect comparison

Faiq Ahmed (Dec 6) compared Zimbabwe breaking free from Magabe to Britain breaking free of the EU.

This comparison is almost perfect in every way regarding both politics and economics.

Magabe destroyed the economy of Zimbabwe through the imposition of Marxist dogma.

The EU has destroyed the British economy through EU red tape regulations and this has caused house prices to rocket.

EU membership has destroyed the manufacturing base of Britain while before this country joined the Common Market we were known as the workshop of the world.

It is the young generation that has suffered the most through high house prices and rents.

The British working class are being wiped out because they cannot afford to have children.

Zimbabwe is celebrating being free of Magabe and similarly Britain is celebrating being free of the EU.

TERRY HAYWARD, Burnham Road, Swindon

A bitter pill

Many people, including myself have written in at times, complimenting or criticising the NHS. We all want it to do better but I am left wondering if there is a way that we can help the people who have to take so many pills each day, especially those with dementia or associated illnesses.

One of my friends is OK but, because of his lack of literacy, he doesn’t read that well. He did mention to me recently, “Chris, you know I have this bowel problem, well the doctor gave me these things called suppositories. My god, they are difficult to swallow... nearly made me sick. For all the good they did, I might just as well have poked them up my rear end!”

A sad case, I know that is the way it is.

When I saw my lady GP recently, she said, “Go behind the screen and take all of your clothes off!” I said, “Shouldn’t you take me out for a meal first!”

CHRIS GLEED Proud Close, Purton