A doctors group has called for fees for students’ mental health treatments to be abolished, amid fears that young adults cannot afford to pay for prescriptions.

The Royal College of GPs (RCGP) said one in every 50 university students are diagnosed with a mental health condition.

But prescriptions can cost hundreds of pounds each year, with the fee for one item starting at £8.60.

Helen Stokes-Lampard, chair of the Royal College of GPs said “any barrier” that stops students from taking their prescribed medicine should be removed.

“If you could make an exemption for students with mental health problems to ensure they got free prescriptions, I would support that.

“I’d encourage all students to investigate all options to find ways to get their prescriptions paid for or at least spread the cost as far as possible.”

Steve Buckley, a clinical pharmacist for the Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, added that the process of finding the right medication for people with mental health problems can be trial and error.

It means potentially purchasing multiple prescriptions to see what works best, adding extra costs.

Students in England can apply for fee exemptions, but this is based on parents’ income.

The Department of Health said: “90 per cent of prescription items are already free on the NHS and further exemptions are in place for people on a low income – which can include students.”