Nearly three-quarters of Labour supporters back the Scottish Government's decision to scrap prescription charges, according to a poll.

The findings yesterday prompted an SNP backbencher to urge its opponents to support the policy.

Dr Ian McKee, who is also a former GP, said that would be the best way to mark the 60th anniversary of the setting up of the NHS by the post-war Labour government.

Under plans announced by Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon, prescription charges will be reduced from April and eventually abolished in 2011.

The YouGov poll of 1111 Scots showed that 42% of Labour voters "strongly support" the move, while a further 31% "tend to" support it. Overall, 77% of voters are in favour of the policy.

Labour say they have yet to be convinced that the abolition of prescription charges is affordable and would help tackle health inequalities.

Dr McKee said the opinion poll showed they have little choice but to back the government. "Prescription charges go against the principle of free healthcare and the founding principles of the NHS," he said.

"The SNP government has made it clear that prescription charges will go and 73% of Labour voters back that decision. Unfortunately, it's not clear if the Labour Party in parliament will support it. Labour has failed to make clear their position despite numerous opportunities."

Dr McKee added: "Scottish Labour MPs have been calling for a hospital to be named after (NHS founder) Nye Bevan to mark the 60th anniversary of the NHS.

"Surely it would be more appropriate to return to the principles of Nye Bevan and back the SNP government's commitment to free prescription charges."

Margaret Curran, Labour's Shadow Health Secretary, said no-one should be denied the medicines they need because they can't pay for them.

But she added: "We recognise the current inequalities that exist and the anguish felt by those suffering from long-term or chronic conditions.

"However, the implications of a universal and free prescription system on vital NHS resources are vast.

"We need assurances from the SNP that they have thought this through and are aware of the implications a free system would have on tackling health inequalities throughout Scotland.

"Rather than playing around with polls, the SNP should think about how they can pay for this without causing long-term damage to the NHS."