Pharmacy union calls for waiving of HRT dispensing fees as demand doubles
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Demand for HRT products has doubled over the past two years from women in menopause and perimenopause, new data from the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) shows.
In light of this, the union is calling for the Government to expand plans for free HRT to include covering pharmacy and GP fees for these women as well.
HRT is used to relieve symptoms of menopause and perimenopause. All medications carry a dispensing fee in pharmacies but that is usually included in the cost of the medication. From January, women will not have to pay for HRT products but fees will remain.
This could go over €20 a month for pharmacy fees alone, said IPU pharmacy contractors committee chairwoman Kathy Maher.
“The treatment is now seen as an entirely standard part of managing menopause and perimenopause. Given the importance of HRT within women’s healthcare eliminating all costs would be of significant benefit,” she urged.
It is not unusual for women to need three or more products each month with a separate fee for each.
The IPU has proposed the free contraceptive scheme — under which all fees are covered for women aged 17 to 35 — operate alongside HRT plans in an Integrated Women’s Health Plan.
“Let’s look at women’s health as a key initiative for growth and bringing women’s HRT with the contraceptive scheme into having an integrated women’s health plan — that is much more forward-thinking, progressive and workable.”
Although the HRT plan is due to kick in from January 1, she said details have not yet been worked out.
“The legislation does state that it’s an opt-in so we will have to see how that works,” she said.
“But I would expect with the support of all political parties and everybody focused on the future we can achieve this.”
For example, it is unclear where products used for contraception and menopause fit into the schemes.
The IPU welcomes reforms in women’s healthcare introduced by Health Minister Stephen Donnelly, she said.
However, it is calling on all political parties to support their integrated plan as a way to remove “unnecessary hurdles and ensuring consistency in care” for women of all ages.
“We look forward to working with the Department of Health to make this vision a reality and urge political leaders to join us in transforming women’s health,” she said.