A bitter pill for some to swallow

 The government's defence of its decision to raise the standard prescription fee from $3 to $5 next year hasn't gone down well with many Far North folk judging by a straw poll conducted by The Northland Age in Kaitaia on Tuesday.

A few thought it was reasonable to lift the charge, which was set at $3 in 1993 and would now stand at a little over $5 had it been adjusted annually for inflation, but many were worried for the impact on those balancing tight budgets and with on-going medicinal needs.

The $5 charge will apply to all prescriptions to a maximum of 20 per annum per family, after which they will be free.