Government accused of failing women by breaking HRT promise

Meanwhile, it has been confirmed that there are manufacturing delays with Estradot transdermal patches meaning shortages of this treatment will continue until February 28. File photo: Anna Watson/Alamy

The Government has been accused of failing women by breaking its promise to provide free hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to thousands of patients.

There is still no timeline in place for the roll-out of State-funded HRT despite a commitment to start providing medications from the beginning of January.

It comes at a time when a number of HRT drugs are in severe short supply, meaning that even if women can pay for these medications in some cases, they are not available.

Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill has said she is working to introduce the scheme as "soon as possible" however, the Irish Pharmacy Union has said its members have received no further clarity on the introduction of free HRT.

Labour leader Ivana Bacik said: "Once again we see a failure to prioritise women's health. We need to see sensible policies in place to support women's healthcare needs, making HRT free and accessible will be critical to this."

Shortages

Meanwhile, it has been confirmed that there are manufacturing delays with Estradot transdermal patches meaning shortages of this treatment will continue until February 28.

The Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) has also been notified of a shortage of Evorel transdermal patches due to an unexpected increase in demand impacting Ireland only. This shortage is expected to be resolved by February 15.

Social Democrats health spokesperson Padraig Rice called it "unconscionable" that some patients could face delays or breaks in their treatment due to a shortage of medicines.

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"The international shortage of certain products for those suffering from the effects of menopause is a double blow for women’s healthcare in Ireland given the delayed introduction of the free HRT scheme, which was supposed to be in place at the start of this year."

Tom Murray, Irish Pharmacy Union president, said pharmacists are "willing and able" to support the roll-out of free HRT and have put forward proposals to the Department of Health, but are still waiting for a full response.

The proposed scheme would still require menopausal women to pay for GP and pharmacy services, in contrast to the contraceptive scheme, which covers all fees. This aspect of the scheme has sparked criticisms.