Free HRT to start in June but union slams new deal

On Tuesday, health minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill announced a new deal funding products and fees in a concession to the pharmacy sector.

Free hormone replacement therapy (HRT) could now start from June 1, some five months after it was first expected, but concerns remain, with pharmacists saying the new deal is “not viable”.

Women have to sign up to the drug payment scheme before they can benefit from free HRT, with fees now also covered.