The cost of prescriptions is to be reduced to just £3 in January next year and will be free of charge by April 2010.

Paula Morgan of Orchard Pharmacy in Mandeville Street said the move would undoubtedly benefit the large number of local customers who have serious and chronic conditions and who currently pay for their prescriptions.

"People who are being treated for illnesses such as cancer, MS or heart conditions will really benefit and it will bring these patients into line with diabetes patients who are currently exempt from charges," said Paula. "It will make it fairer for everyone, although currently around 85 per cent of people, including children, pensioners and those on benefits, are already exempt from charges, meaning the category who pay is already quite small in comparison."

The Ulster Cancer Foundation also welcomed Mr McGimpsey's announcement to abolish prescription charges in Northern Ireland by 2010.

Mavis Duggan, Ulster Cancer Foundation counsellor based at Craigavon Area Hospital, said, "This is great news for all cancer patients who have had to deal, not only with the emotional burden following their diagnosis, but also the financial impact. We applaud the Health Minister's decisive action which will undoubtedly have a positive effect on patients' well-being.

"In Northern Ireland, one in three people will develop cancer during their lifetime and around 9,000 are newly diagnosed every year. Around 55,000 people are currently living with a diagnosis of cancer, so many patients will benefit from not having to pay for their medication."

benefit

Newry and Armagh MLA and Ulster Unionist Assembly Party's deputy leader, Danny Kennedy, said, "This is good news for everyone in Northern Ireland and removes what is effectively a tax on the sick. It will be of particular benefit to those who require repeat prescriptions for long-standing illnesses and medical problems.

"This is a clear example of how a locally elected Assembly and Executive can work for the people of Northern Ireland and can deliver tangible benefits".

Upper Bann MLA Samuel Gardiner, who also sits on the Assembly's health committee, added his voice to the growing approval: "This is another good decision made by the Minister," he said. "It proves the effectiveness of devolution with a local Minister making local decisions.

"I am particularly pleased for cancer patients, as so many families have been touched by this disease. Patients have often had to make appalling choices between paying for what may be years of follow-up treatment or their household bills.

"Nearly half of breast cancer patients have experienced financial difficulties after being forced to pay prescription charges for their treatment, and 15 per cent had not taken the drugs they desperately needed because of the cost."

The MS Society of Northern Ireland also has congratulated the Minister on his decision.