Pharmacists across the region are criticising the Department of Health for rowing back on a promise to provide free Hormone Replacement Therapy to women in Ireland.
The proposed measure in Budget 2025 had stated that the treatment would be available for free from the 1st of January. However, a lack of key elements for the roll out are not yet in place, resulting in the Department stating that free HRT would be available 'as soon as possible'.
Hormone Replacement Therapy can help treat symptoms of menopause as well as help with bone loss in women due to low estrogen levels.
The Irish Pharmacy Union has branded the delay a 'slap in the face' and is calling for the Government to now extend the plans to cover GP costs.
Castlerea native and Pharmacist Sheena Mitchell believes the lack of communication with stakeholders over the plans is unacceptable:
