ALMOST half of Scots would back a return of prescription charges to tackle funding shortfalls in the NHS.
A survey has found that concerns remain over the policy, which was introduced by the SNP in 2011 and is estimated to cost £57 million a year.
Critics have said that the money would be better spent on nurses or medicines which are currently unavailable because of cost.
It has also been claimed that funds would be better spent on struggling A%E units and providing a better standard of care.
The poll was released by Tory Peer Lord Ashcroft, and was based on a sample of 1,700 Scots, including around 650 who said they would vote for the SNP.
However, SNP MSP Bob Doris, deputy convenor of Holyrood's Health and Sport Committee, defended the policy.
He said: "Our NHS is our most valuable public resource, and this poll is a welcome confirmation that the people of Scotland recognise the strong action taken by the SNP in government to protect the health service."
A spokesman for the Scottish Government said: "We have abolished prescription charges and are committed to keeping them free."
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