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HRT

Yesterday
16th April 2025
'Very few pharmacists' will sign up for free HRT scheme 'because €5 dispensing fee is too little'
The Irish Pharmacy Union has asked for a €6.50 fee to be provided to make the scheme viable for pharmacists.
One pharmacist said the €5 dispensing fee that the Government has proposed is "the same fee that was introduced 17 years ago".
Another pharmacist said that if she were to sign up for the scheme, "I would have to let my staff go, and I can't do that".
She said she does not know a single pharmacist that has signed up to the scheme "because they know they can't".
This week
13th April 2025 - 17th April 2025
Free HRT will be available for all women from 1 June, as govt commits to covering dispensing costs
New guidelines on pharmacy dispensing fees to be developed after confusion over free HRT scheme
This month
April 2025
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What’s happening with the rollout of free HRT?
19m
Tánaiste calls for 'give and take' from pharmacists to get free HRT scheme delivered
Last month
March 2025
'I’m done with all this fannying about with something that was promised to us over six months ago'
We asked our readers to tell us how the delayed HRT scheme and supply shortages has affected them. Here’s what they said.
Some women told The Journal that they have to ration their HRT patches because of the cost per month.
One woman said the free HRT scheme was one of the reasons she voted for the Government. "I now feel foolish for believing them," she said.
Supply issues are also impacting women, with one woman travelling abroad to try and source the HRT patch that she is prescribed.
Have you been affected by the delayed free HRT scheme? We want to hear from you
'I presume this is free?' Confusion over when women will get long-awaited free HRT from pharmacies
A scheme that would see the State cover the cost of the drug was due to be rolled out in January, but it has yet to be implemented.
Pharmacists said there was “zero consultation” with the sector before the measure was announced as part of Budget 2025.
One pharmacist said the scheme is "a missed opportunity to get equality" in hormonal care for women of all ages.
Meanwhile, the clinical lead of the Rotunda's menopause clinic said supply shortages in some HRT products are currently "a much bigger issue" than cost.
Health Minister meets pharmacies amid confusion and delay over free HRT scheme
This year
2025
Delay in rollout of free HRT scheme criticised as 'slap in the face for thousands of women'
Last year
2024
Dublin taskforce report recommends GPO be used as museum or as new home for RTÉ
Free HRT available from January but women will still pay GP and dispensing fees, says minister
Free IVF scheme criteria expanded and free HRT to be provided for menopause
Minister says he wants free contraception rolled out for all women and girls aged 16 and up
'It's a lifeline': Shortage of HRT patches causing frustration for pharmacists and patients
All time
Women face higher costs than men in life, says minister at workplace menopause policy launch
Dr Caoimhe Hartley: 'We hear about menopause but perimenopause can be just as disruptive'
Dr Caoimhe Hartley
GP: What is testosterone and who can it help in menopause?
Dr Karen Soffe
Dr Deirdre Lundy: Menopause may be 'natural' but that doesn't mean you have to put up with it
Dr Deirdre Lundy
Pharmacist: HRT and supplements for menopause have greatly improved - there's no need to suffer
Oonagh O’Hagan
Call for zero VAT rate to be applied to HRT for women in menopause
Call for better supports in Ireland as UK considers over-the-counter menopause treatments
A shortage of menopause drugs in Ireland is causing 'inconvenience and distress' for women
F1 also-rans HRT seeking new investors
HRT to miss the Australian Grand Prix after failing to qualify