The annual bill of prescription drugs of NHS has risen to £9billion this year, which means that patients were given more prescription drugs than ever.

According to the figures from the NHS Information Centre, diabetes is the most expensive condition which accounts for £713million in England last year. The figures have also shown that there was an increase of 75% in the past four years in the cases of type II diabetes. It was found that the condition was mainly caused by obesity and lack of exercise or physical activity. Majority of the doctors prescribe insulin for its treatment but researchers suggest them to advise the patients to go for dieting and exercising.

The highest drugs prescribed last year were for heart-related complications followed by painkillers and cholesterol-busting drugs including statins.

Figure shave shown that over 7 million people in Britain rely on statins at present. In the past four years, its prescription has risen 350%. Prescriptions of antidepressants are also on the rise, despite efforts to prescribe talking therapies rather than drugs.

Mike Holden, Chief Executive of the National Pharmacy Association, said, “More appropriate treatments may be available, such as physiotherapy or counseling, and doctors should only prescribe medicines when they are needed”.