Residents in Tower Hamlets are being urged to have their say over plans to stop GPs in the borough from prescribing over-the counter medications.

The proposals by health chiefs would see NHS Tower Hamlets Clinical Commissioning Group ban medics from prescribing 35 medications such as paracetamol, cough medicines, vitamins, minerals and probiotics.

Last year, the NHS spent nearly £570m on prescriptions for medicines which can be bought over the counter from pharmacies and other outlets such as supermarkets.

Dr Sam Everington, local GP and chair of NHS Tower Hamlets CCG, said: “We are really keen that local people have their say.

“It is so important we know what local people think about these proposals because this will enable us to make an informed local decision if the recommendation is to stop prescribing for these conditions in primary care.”

To take part in the online consultation, which runs until March 14, click here.