Rollout of free HRT key women’s health priority in Programme for Government – Boland

The Programme for Government ensures the rollout of free HRT and also commits to increasing the network of menopause clinics and to developing a model of care for menopause, a Fine Gael TD has said.

Deputy Grace Boland, Fine Gael TD for Dublin Fingal West said: “The prioritisation of these important measures is good news for the thousands of women who are experiencing perimenopause and menopause, many of whom are currently paying for their HRT medication themselves each month.

“I am particularly pleased to note that the government is committed to ensuring people can access as much care as possible in their home and in their community and that will include the expansion of services provided by pharmacists.

“There is already a scheme in place for the provision by pharmacists of the free contraceptive pill and it makes sense to mirror that scheme for the provision of free HRT medication.

“For several years, there have been serious issues with the supply of HRT, complicating how the medication is dispensed by pharmacists and adding to their workload.  This government will support pharmacists in adopting a proactive approach to managing medicine shortages and I welcome the commitment to appoint a Chief Pharmacist within the Department of Health.

“By removing financial barriers for women, the government will facilitate better health outcomes and reduce the strain on healthcare resources by preventing more serious health issues that can arise from untreated symptoms.

“The HSE and the Department of Health must continue to work with the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) to put the plan in place to make this medication free now.”