Free HRT now available in over 1,600 pharmacies, says HSE

Tue, 03 Jun, 2025 - 11:00

Niamh Griffin Health Correspondent

The HSE has published a list of pharmacies where women can access free hormone replacement therapy (HRT), with more than 1,600 already participating.

The scheme launched on Sunday, though it was originally expected to begin in January.

Women can now search by pharmacy name or address on the HSE website using a page titled Find a pharmacy offering free HRT.

To avail of the service, women need a GP prescription and must first register for the Drugs Payment Scheme.

Dr Clíona Murphy, national clinical director for the HSE National Women and Infants Health Programme, said many women experience debilitating symptoms during menopause.

“The symptoms, which are caused by changes in our hormones, can include hot flushes, night sweats, flushing, which can be distressing for people affected,” she said.

“Hormone replacement therapy is a medicine-based treatment which can really improve the quality of life for people experiencing symptoms. HRT helps to balance and replace the hormones that your body no longer produces in the same way.”

She welcomed the fact that it is now free for those who need it, saying this gives people more options.

“The decision to take HRT should be made in consultation with your doctor,” she advised.

Women can also register for the Drugs Payment Scheme on the HSE website. They must provide their name, date of birth, sex, PPS number, and contact details.

The scheme also serves to track medications dispensed.

Health minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill said: “this is a fantastic support for women and a significant milestone in our commitment to women’s health”.

She said the move is “removing financial barriers and providing vital support during all stages of menopause” for women.

“I thank the Irish Pharmacy Union for their partnership in this initiative and those pharmacies right across Ireland that have signed up. I encourage women to log on to the HSE’s pharmacy finder to locate their nearest participating pharmacy,” she said.

Last month the IPU backed the new plans for a free HRT rollout having described an earlier scheme as unviable.

IPU president Tom Murray said: “Our main priority with the HRT Scheme has been to ensure women receive the medication they need without cost.

“We are endorsing the scheme in good faith, backed by the broader commitments in this framework, including a review of the pharmacy fee structure.”