Women in Cork can now get free HRT

Majority of pharmacies nationwide participating in scheme with numbers increasing daily.

Women in Cork are now able to receive free HRT medication from, Cork North West TD John Paul O’Shea has said, as the vast majority of pharmacies have signed up to the scheme.

Deputy O’ Shea said he was grateful to Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill for engaging with all stakeholders so successfully to deliver this medication free of charge for the many women around the country who need it.

Deputy O’Shea said: “The majority of pharmacies across the country are now participating in the scheme, and this figure is increasingly daily, meaning that all women will be able to access this free medication in a pharmacy convenient for them.

In Cork, already 208 pharmacies will offer the free medication to women, which is extremely positive.

“It’s important to note that the new arrangement includes a pharmacy dispensing fee, so medication will be completely free”.

Women who have been private patients and who wish to avail of this will need to possess a Drugs Payment Scheme (DPS) card. Medical card holders can continue to access HRT medication as normal – they do not need a DPS card. Women can identify their nearest pharmacy to them that is providing the service by using the HSE pharmacy finder HERE

“The symptoms women encounter during perimenopause and menopause are varied and women’s lives can be hugely impacted. HRT is such an important medicinal regime for women and can positively improve their lives and make daily living much easier.

“This scheme is transformational for women. I commend the pharmacies in Cork who have joined the scheme to continue to provide vital healthcare for their communities,” concluded Deputy O’ Shea.

Ends/