No surge in new patients as free HRT scheme costs €14m in first four months

Dr Ciara McCarthy, a GP in Cork City and clinical lead in women’s health with the Irish College of GPs, suggested it is 'probably too early' to say whether the plan will increase HRT uptake.

The first four months of the free HRT scheme last year cost just over €14m, figures show, although GPs have not seen a surge of new patients.

When the scheme was first announced it came with a budget allocation for a €20m full-year cost investment for last year. However, it only opened in June after questions were raised around how it would roll out across pharmacies.