I'm not saying the charge is excessive in relation to costs (though it is in many cases), but it's not nominal, particularly for low paid people. The original principle of a free health service all the way was right and of course it costs a lot. But aside from everything else, yes, it costs a lot, but a lot less than the alternatives when all is said and done (though that's a side issue - if it cost more it would still be worth it.)

drug costs, and the priorities of drug production, are grossly distorted by our profit driven model. But that's another matter.