A Monaghan councillor has highlighted her "deep frustration" over the continued silence from the Department of Health regarding the delayed rollout of the HRT scheme. The scheme was due for implementation in January 2025. Cllr Sinead Flynn says this scheme was announced with much "fanfare" promising affordable access to essential treatment for women managing menopause. Despite this, three months later, we have no clarity, no timeline, and, worse still, no response to our repeated requests as to the reasons for the "unacceptable delay."
Speaking to Northern Sound, Cllr Flynn says women who rely on HRT should not be left in limbo, facing financial strain and unnecessary hardship. She is once again calling on the Minister for Health to break this silence, to provide an immediate update, and to ensure that the rollout of this scheme happens without further delay; "What message does this send? That women's healthcare is not a priority? That those in need should simply wait indefinitely? Women who rely on HRT should not be left in limbo, facing financial strain and unnecessary hardship. They deserve answers, they deserve respect, and above all, they deserve action.
"I am calling once again on the Minister for Health to break this silence, to provide an immediate update, and to ensure that the rollout of this scheme happens without further delay. The Department cannot continue to ignore this issue. Women's health must be a priority, not an afterthought. I will continue to raise this issue until we receive a satisfactory response and a clear timeline for the rollout of this scheme. This matter cannot be brushed aside any longer."
