Last updated: 2026 | Reading time: approx. 7 minutes
The National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) is one of the most useful — and often underused — options available to public patients in Ireland who are facing long hospital waiting times.
If you have been waiting months (or longer) for treatment, the NTPF may be able to arrange care for you much sooner — often at no cost.
What Is the NTPF?
The National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) is a government-funded agency that helps reduce hospital waiting lists.
It does this by:
- Arranging treatment for public patients
- In private hospitals or alternative public hospitals
- When waiting times become too long
In simple terms:
If you have been waiting a long time in the public system, the NTPF may be able to organise your treatment — often within weeks.
Who Is Eligible?
To be considered for NTPF support, you generally need to:
- Be a public patient (not using private health insurance)
- Be actively on a hospital waiting list in Ireland
- Have been waiting a significant period of time
The exact waiting time threshold can change depending on national targets, but:
- Around 6 months or more is often a starting point
Eligibility is assessed on a case-by-case basis, depending on:
- Your condition
- The procedure required
- Your current waiting time
What Treatments Are Covered?
The NTPF covers a wide range of common procedures, including:
- Orthopaedic surgery (hip and knee replacements)
- Cataract surgery
- Colonoscopies and endoscopies
- Hernia repair
- Gynaecological procedures
- ENT procedures
- Cardiac procedures
The list is regularly updated as demand and priorities change.
How Do You Apply?
There are two main routes.
Route 1: Referral from your hospital
The hospital managing your care may refer you to the NTPF directly.
This often happens:
- Automatically
- Once you pass a certain waiting time threshold
Route 2: Contact the NTPF yourself
You can also contact the NTPF directly to enquire about your case.
You will typically need to provide:
- Your name and date of birth
- The hospital you are waiting with
- The procedure you are waiting for
- How long you have been waiting
What Happens Next?
If your case is approved, the NTPF will:
- Arrange treatment at a participating hospital or clinic
- Cover the full cost of the procedure
- Aim to schedule treatment within a relatively short timeframe
In many cases, treatment is arranged within weeks of approval.
Important to know
You may be offered treatment in a different location within Ireland.
If travel is a concern, you should raise this with the NTPF, as support may be available in some cases.
Key Points to Remember
- The NTPF is free for public patients
- You do not need private health insurance
- You can contact them directly — you do not have to wait for a referral
- It covers many common procedures
- It is one of the fastest legitimate ways to reduce your waiting time in the public system
Related Guides
- How Hospital Waiting Lists Work in Ireland
- Why You Can’t Get a GP Appointment in Ireland
Further Information
Important Information
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. If you have urgent health concerns, contact your GP or emergency services.