Campaigners have warned that people with long-term health problems may risk their condition deteriorating rather than face the huge burden of rising prescription costs.

As the Government introduces free prescriptions for all cancer patients in England, the Prescription Promise Campaign (PPC) is urging Gordon Brown to keep his promise to drop charges for all patients suffering from long-term health conditions.

The PPC, a coalition of 18 charities which care for thousands of patients both in the West and nationally, has said that while the abolition of charges for cancer patients is cause for celebration, the move should cover all those bearing "a disproportionate and unfair burden of prescription charges."

The campaigners argue that although the change in legislation improves quality of life for cancer sufferers, it offers no respite for those whose lives are blighted by debilitating conditions, like heart problems, asthma, multiple sclerosis and diabetes.

One stroke survivor from Taunton, who wanted to remain anonymous, is currently struggling to support his wife and family.

As a relatively young stroke patient, he will have to pay for his prescriptions for the next 20 years.

He said: "I had a stroke four years ago when I was 38. It was caused by a heart condition which has now been mended, but I'm still taking three different types of medication every day.

"I pay more than £20 every few weeks. I'm fortunate because I can pay this, but there are other people in similar situations who cannot work and cannot afford the prescription charges.

"I think the disparity lies where people with long-term conditions, such as people who have had a stroke, don't get free prescriptions. But why not? I think in this situation the prescription should be free."

From today all other prescription charges will increase to £7.20. According to the PPC, every year 800,000 people in England and Wales fail to get some or all of their prescriptions because they simply cannot afford the cost.

Research shows that 38 per cent of those with severe mental health problems, such as schizophrenia, have to decide between paying household bills and paying prescription charges.

Last year at the Labour Party Conference, Mr Brown promised to abolish prescription charges for all those with long-term health conditions.

Steve Ford, chief executive of the Parkinson's Disease Society, said: "From today, an estimated 5,800 younger people with Parkinson's will have to pay even more for their medicines, which many already cannot afford.

"This grossly unfair situation can result in people not getting the medicines they need to stay in good health and even ending up in hospital.

"People with Parkinson's require daily medication throughout the course of their condition, and for the rest of their lives. Being granted free prescriptions would mean less chance of getting into financial difficulty, and more chance of staying well. It would also lift the sense of anxiety many face in their lives.

"As part of the Prescriptions Promise Campaign, we urge the Government to keep its promise and make people with long-term conditions exempt from paying prescription charges as soon as possible, and not drag its heels until after the next General Election."

The coalition's current membership includes: Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome Support Group, Arthritis Care, Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus, Asthma UK, Behcets Syndrome Society, British Heart Foundation, Diabetes UK, Disability Alliance, Mind, MS Society, National Association for Colitis and Crohn's Disease, National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society, Parkinson's Disease Society, Pernicious Anaemia Society, Rethink, The Stroke Association, Skin Care Campaign, Terrence Higgins Trust.