HRT agreement 'real step forward for women's health' — senator

The nationwide rollout of state-funded HRT treatment from 1 June for women in menopause has been described as 'a real step forward for women's health’ by Senator Fiona O'Loughlin, writes Brian Byrne. She was welcoming the agreement reached by the state with the Irish Pharmacy Union that allows the scheme to roll out.

The agreement provides for a dispensing fee to participating pharmacies and a once-off grant to support any necessary IT support upgrades.

The Newbridge-based senator is the Fianna Fáil Deputy Leader in the Seanad, as well as the Chairperson of the Oireachtas women’s caucus. "Access to HRT can be transformative, improving mental clarity, easing physical symptoms, and helping prevent long-term health complications," she said in a statement. “This agreement means women can now have a clear, supported path to getting the care they need, without delays, without additional costs.”

The HSE will shortly issue information to all community pharmacies on how to join the scheme, and there will be a public information campaign to inform women of the new arrangements.

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