McLaughlin: Minister of Health must rethink refusal of Women’s Health Strategy

SDLP Foyle MLA Sinéad McLaughlin has urged the Health Minister Mike Nesbitt to reconsider his decision not to develop a Women’s Health Strategy.

It follows the Minister answering a question from Ms McLaughlin in the Assembly on Tuesday where he cited budget constraints as a reason not to proceed with the strategy.

Ms McLaughlin has consistently lobbied for the creation of a dedicated Women’s Health Strategy and last year presented the results of an online survey of women’s experience in the North West to a senior official in the Department of Health.

She is also the Vice-Chairperson of the All-Party Group on Women’s Health.

Said the Foyle MLA: “I am deeply disappointed by the Minister’s decision not to pursue a dedicated Women’s Health Strategy because of budget constraints and would urge him to re-think this decision.

“This is a critical issue that affects the lives of countless women across Northern Ireland.

“The health of half our population should not be put on the back burner due to financial challenges and budget limitations cannot become an excuse to ignore the persistent issues that women face when trying to access essential healthcare services.

“I have spoken to countless women who have told me they are not receiving the proper support they need from the health service.

“Their stories paint a picture of a service which is totally broken and failing to address their needs, leaving many in debilitating pain and simply unable to cope.

“Women face specific barriers when it comes to their health and these concerns must be reflected in a strategy.

“From women living in debilitating pain due to gynaecological conditions, to the widespread stigma around mental health and menopause, it is clear that these problems are systemic and require a comprehensive approach.

“The refusal to even begin the process of developing a Women’s Health Strategy is a failure to recognize the severity of these issues and an abandonment of the women who are crying out for change.

“The Minister’s refusal is a backwards step for women’s health and our region remains the only part of these islands without a comprehensive plan in place to address these barriers and this inequality in healthcare provision.

“Women deserve a government that prioritises their health and well-being.”

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