Farmer Health Checks Programme Picks Up Two Awards

The Farmer Health Checks programme has been named the Public Health Initiative of the Year at the Irish Healthcare Awards 2025. 

The initiative also secured the prestigious Future of Medicine Award, recognising its impact and innovation in improving health outcomes for the farming community.

The citation read as follows: “The judges said that this innovation delivers healthcare to farmers where they live and work, supported by impressive data and materials. They regarded it as one of the best initiatives they have seen, noting its patient-centred approach and the effectiveness of delivering services to a traditionally neglected population through a pilot programme”.

The Free Health Checks Programme concluded last month, surpassing its target of providing 2,000 health checks across 30 locations nationwide. 

This marks the second year of the initiative, delivered in partnership with CROÍ and supported by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

IFA President Francie Gorman said the two awards are testament to the huge effort put in by everybody. Delivering this to every county was our target this year and I am delighted to see the programme gain this recognition.

IFA Farm Family & Social Affairs Chair Teresa Roche acknowledged the efforts of CROÍ personnel and the marts in delivering the checks around the country.

“Understandably, some people might be reluctant to put themselves forward for a check-up. But the familiar surroundings of the local mart and the professional approach from CROÍ made it a very smooth process. I also want to thank the members of the IFA Farm Family Committee who provided support and back up at the various locations.”