Niamh Griffin: Health budget focused on shortfalls in care for women

A dedicated health package, coming to some €32.2m, targets many areas of women's healthcare, including screening, contraception, and menstrual products.

The budget saw the expansion of free contraception to women aged between 16 and 30, although concerns continue regarding ease of access. File Picture

Funding for menopause treatment, IVF, and contraception was included in the health budget yesterday, which had a significant focus on shortfalls in women’s health. 

There had been speculation the health budget might fall short of what is needed to address problems, particularly the spiralling waiting lists seen in our hospitals, and while concerns are already being raised, the funding goes some way towards addressing issues in women’s health.