Removing barriers to implementation
One of the first tasks the new Minister for Health will have to resolve is the “free, not free” HRT roll-out. While it has been derided in quarters, as a “vote getting” measure, which ultimately failed for the incumbent, the scheme itself has been hugely welcomed by the women of Ireland. They will not take kindly to delays or barriers to implementation, so it will be a test for the new Minister as to how quickly a resolution can be found with the IPU and how soon the scheme can be implemented.
Ongoing supply problems for HRT medicines will not be so easily resolved as the solution is more complex and lengthy.
The disruption in treatment for patients from ongoing supply challenges, including switching to unlicensed alternatives which cost more and are widely viewed as less effective, is considerable. This sentiment is reflected in research commissioned by Azure and Ireland Thinks, with 42% of pharmacists have reported patient frustration due to the lack of medication, and 36% have observed patients expressing concern and worry over medicine shortages.
Meanwhile, the deepening dependency on unlicensed (EMP) versions of HRT becomes starker. Moreover, the lack of reimbursement for these EMP versions of HRT will need to be resolved in order for any “free” HRT scheme to be rolled out.
Medicine Shortages exceed 300
HRT treatments were among the 333 medicines out-of-stock this month, our latest analysis shows. 283 of these are medium to high-risk medicines.
The consequences of shortages continue to be felt by patients and pharmacists. 68% of pharmacists we polled expressed dissatisfaction over the level of support and guidance issued in response to shortages. The most common impacts of medicine shortages reported by pharmacists include increased workload (36%) and delayed or interrupted patient treatment (31%). 42% of pharmacists report that patients express frustration and anger when a medicine is unavailable and a further 36% say patients express concern and anxiety. Our research also found that 80% of Irish pharmacists have experienced verbal or physical abuse over the past year.
As we enter the traditionally busier Winter period, the lack of a meaningful response to this issue will be even more keenly felt. Ireland’s response remains out-of-sync with other countries, something we will continue to campaign on.