The new Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) prescription pre-payment certificate (PPC) has witnessed more than 37,000 purchases both via online website and in-person in pharmacies since its launch on Saturday (1 April).
As of 12pm today (4 April), 37,240 HRT PPCs have been bought online and 501 in-pharmacy, totalling 37,741 certificates.
Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) estimated women have saved over £1.13 million in prescription charges for the year, with the average person saving £30 for a year’s supply.
The new prescription pre-payment certificate is also predicted to enable around 400,000 women to have cheaper access to menopause support.
On the launch of the scheme on Saturday, the huge demand for the much-anticipated certificate meant some patients were unable to access the website on the morning of 1 April.
“The NHS Business Service Authority has ensured that the site has been working, allowing thousands of women to continue to successfully purchase a prescription for a year’s worth of hormone replacement therapy products which help treat the menopause,” said DHSC.
Minister for Women’s Health Strategy, Maria Caulfield said: “Over 37,700 women have come forward to claim cheaper HRT this weekend alone, showing what happens when we listen to what women want.
“Delivering on our promise to make women’s health a priority comes with challenges – but it is hugely important to everyone, and I am massively proud of the work we have done.”
Michael Brodie, chief executive of the NHS Business Services Authority, said: “It’s great to see how many people relying on HRT are already benefitting from a more cost-effective way of accessing it.
“We are proud to be delivering the HRT PPC, which is a great addition to the range of NHS services we offer to help people manage their health costs."
The NHS England National Menopause Care Improvement Programme is working to improve clinical menopause care in England and reduce disparities in access to treatment. The NHS is also developing an education and training package on menopause for healthcare professionals.
To ensure all women get the support they need, DHSC recently announced a £25 million investment in women’s health hubs. Women’s health hubs provide integrated services for women in the community, enabling easier access to essential women’s health services such as menstrual health, contraception, pelvic pain and menopause care.
Graeme Duncan 
