Local Carlow TD calls publicly funded HRT scheme a 'game-changer'

Carlow TD Jennifer Murnane O'Connor has welcomed reports that her party colleague, Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly, plans to introduce a publicly funded hormone replacement therapy (HRT) scheme.

Under the scheme, the Government would cover the cost of HRT medication being available to those who need it.

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Deputy Murnane O'Connor said: “The publicly-funded HRT scheme will be a game-changer for women’s healthcare. This is hugely welcome news.

“There has been an increase in demand for HRT medicines in the last number of years, both due to public information campaigns run by the Government and to the work of many individuals, organisations and public representatives in highlighting the need for better menopause care for women.

“However, women have faced issues in using HRT medicine, from access to cost disparity.

“These issues are in addition to the already challenging experience of menopause. It represents a significant change in the reproductive system and brings with it a lot of other symptoms, everything from hot flashes to weight gain, hair loss, anxiety, depression, sight loss, arthritis and diabetes.

“The scheme would put an end to the barrier posed by costs in accessing effective and essential healthcare treatment. Women are faced with costs of €30 to €70 per month for HRT, the cost of a GP visit which can be between €60 and €80 and the cost of having to have to go to a consultant which could be hundreds of euros for one consultation.

“Publicly-funded HRT is an investment in the individual health of those women who access the medicines as well as in the health of families and entire communities. I look forward to the details of the scheme being published in the coming weeks.

“The scheme is the latest example of Fianna Fáil's commitment in Government to supporting women's healthcare and removing barriers to access wherever we can."