THE number of prescriptions dispensed in Scotland rose by 2.8 million last year, prompting calls for the SNP to rethink its universal free prescriptions policy.

Latest figures show that 93.8 million prescriptions were issued in Scotland in 2011, up 3.1% on the previous year.

Free prescriptions were introduced in April last year.

Scottish Liberal LibDem health spokeswoman Alison McInnes MSP said: "The SNP need to control these spiralling costs so that more money can be spent on NHS front-line services."

A Government spokeswoman said: "This might suggest that prescription drugs are more accessible for patients previously put off by the price."