SOCIAL DEMOCRATS TD Jennifer Whitmore has said that some GPs are reported to be charging women “outrageous” fees of more than €200 for menopause specific appointments.

She said the fees are a barrier to women seeking access to the government’s free Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) scheme.

The scheme, which has been in place since June, allows women in Ireland to receive free HRT medicines and products to relieve symptoms of menopause, perimenopause and postmenopause.

However, unlike the government’s Free Contraception Scheme for women aged 17-35, the HRT scheme does not include free GP appointments about contraception options.

The Irish Medical Organisation told The Journal it has long called for a “comprehensive women’s health programme” to include menopause care which is not currently funded by the State.

“Private fees are variable and set by individual practices who bear the costs of premises, medical and administrative staffing, equipment, IT and all other costs,” a spokesperson said.

In a statement today, Whitmore said that although the rollout of free HRT was a “very welcome initiative”, to access the scheme you must first visit a GP.

“Many practices are now introducing menopause specific appointments,” she said.

“I have heard of women having to pay up to €225 for a menopause appointment, which is outrageous.

“The argument being put forward by GPs is that menopause consultations can be complex and take longer. However, this is acting as a financial barrier to women wishing to avail of free HRT and is undermining the benefits of the scheme.”

She compared the costs for women’s healthcare to the costs of other products aimed at women, including razors, deodorants, sanitary pads and shampoos, which she said “effectively amount to a pink tax”.

“This is an area that deserves wider scrutiny from a consumer protection perspective and is something I will be further raising with the government,” she added.

In a statement, the Department of Health said that the cost of GP consultation fees are not included in the free HRT scheme, but that women with medical cards and GP visit cards can receive free GP care.

The spokesperson also confirmed that if a woman has been prescribed a HRT product by her healthcare provider, the cost of the HRT medications and the dispensing fees are met by the State.