Free HRT Available in Pharmacies from 1st June

From June 1st, pharmacies across Ireland will begin dispensing hormone replacement therapy (HRT) free of charge to women, following a long-anticipated agreement between the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) and the Department of Health.

This significant development in community pharmacy practice comes after several months of negotiation between the Government and the IPU, resolving key issues around reimbursement and dispensing fees.

Clarity Locums encourages all our locums to review the resources for the new HRT Scheme available in your Resource Hub at this link

What Is the HRT Scheme?

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is commonly prescribed to manage symptoms of menopause and perimenopause, including hot flushes, night sweats, mood changes, and more. Making this medication free at the point of care is a milestone in improving women’s access to essential healthcare.

Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill confirmed the agreement this month, stating:

“From 1 June, women will be able to go in and get their HRT for free.”

Key Details for Pharmacists

Go-Live Date: 1st June 2025

• Reimbursement Rate: Pharmacies will receive a dispensing fee of €5 per item, following a compromise between the Government and the IPU.
• Eligibility: The service is open to all women eligible for HRT - no upfront charge required at the pharmacy counter.
• Sign-Up: Pharmacies must opt in to participate. The Health Minister has encouraged pharmacies to sign up “quickly so as to be ready for June.”

Tom Murray, President of the IPU, emphasised that the IPU’s primary goal was ensuring that women can access their HRT medication at no cost, while also securing fair remuneration for pharmacists.

Why This Matters for Locum Pharmacists

For locum pharmacists, the rollout of the free HRT scheme signals an important shift in the service offering within community pharmacy. Here’s how it may affect day-to-day practice:

• Increased Footfall: With HRT now free, demand is expected to rise. Locums should be prepared for more consultations and prescription queries.
• Workflow Changes: Pharmacies may implement new SOPs to support the free HRT process - be sure to stay updated on local procedures.
• Patient Counselling: As frontline healthcare providers, pharmacists will play a crucial role in supporting women through HRT choices and managing expectations.

Clarity Locums encourages all our locums to review the resources available in your Resource Hub at this link

Further Discussions on Pharmacy Fees

While the €5 fee has been agreed, discussions around the wider pharmacy fee structure are ongoing. The IPU has confirmed that this is part of a broader framework aimed at reviewing how community pharmacies are funded - an issue of particular relevance to both full-time and locum pharmacists across Ireland.

Looking Ahead: Patient Advocacy and Reimbursement Calls

The Social Democrats have called for reimbursement for women who paid out-of-pocket for HRT earlier this year, criticising delays in the scheme’s implementation. While this aspect is still under discussion, it highlights the importance of consistent follow-through on healthcare commitments.

Stay Updated with Clarity Locums

At Clarity Locums, we’re committed to keeping our community informed of major policy updates that affect your work in Irish pharmacy. Whether you’re a regular locum or just entering the market, we’re here to support you with the latest pharmacy news, shifts, and insights.

Looking for locum shifts in June? Log in to your Clarity Locums account or download our app to view and apply for available positions today.