THE number of paracetamol prescriptions has risen by almost a quarter in five years, the assembly's shadow health minister has said.

According to figures obtained by the Welsh Conservatives, more than 1.3 million items were dispensed in 2010 - 268,642 more than in 2006.

The Tories question whether the Welsh Government's free prescriptions policy is using NHS resources effectively - saying taxpayers' money are being spent on items such as paracetamol and athlete's foot powder.

Shadow health minister Darren Millar said paracetamol could be bought for as little as 16p in shops.

He said: "As the number of prescriptions for items such as these continues to rise in Wales, so the pressure on NHS finances will increase.

"As more and more of those items are dispensed for free, we have to question whether that's an effective use of resources.’’ The new figures came following a written question by Clwyd West AM Mr Millar to the Minister for Health and Social Services.

He asked how many times had the Welsh NHS prescribed Bonjela, paracetamol, Athlete's Foot powder, cold-sore cream Zovirax and cough suppressant Pholcodine over a five year period.

In the statistics, paracetamol was prescribed 1.1 million times in 2006 and almost 1.4 million times in 2010.

There was also a 10% increase in the prescription of athlete's foot powder, aciclovir - the activate ingredient in Zovirax.

However, the figures showed a decrease in the prescription of Pholcodine and Choline Salicylate - the activate ingredient in Bonjela.

The Welsh Government said its free prescriptions policy was a long-term investment in health.

A spokesman said: "Determining what medication is given on prescription is a matter for GPs and other prescribers who use their professional clinical judgment based on the patient's clinical needs.

"The introduction of free prescriptions has not changed that.

"We see free prescriptions as a long-term investment in improving people's health, and by providing them with the medication they need, will enable people to manage their own health more effectively at home.

"This will reduce the risk of chronic ill-health or the condition deteriorating and reducing pressure on the ambulance service and emergency departments. ’’ The Welsh Government also rejected accusations by the Tories that it was cutting the health budget by £1 billion - a claim which has also been repeatedly denied by the First Minister Carwyn Jones.

The spokesman added: "We are maintaining investment and social services despite significant cuts to the Welsh budget by the UK Government.’’