Analysis of Pharmacy Reform Plans by ABDA President

The President of the German Pharmacists' Association (ABDA), Thomas Preis, has expressed optimism regarding the recent health reform plans proposed by the coalition government. He views these initiatives as a positive initial step towards enhancing the pharmacy sector. Preis anticipates that following extensive discussions, the coalition agreement will soon be finalized, which would prevent further alterations to the pharmacy package. He emphasized the importance of focusing on the implementation of these reforms.

While acknowledging that certain aspects of the reform document remain vague, particularly concerning the support for rural pharmacies, Preis stated that it is crucial to collaborate with policymakers to identify and address the needs of the healthcare system. He noted that, despite the need for adjustments, it is encouraging that the government recognizes pharmacies as an essential component of healthcare and medication supply.

As part of the reform, a proposed increase in fixed compensation for rural pharmacies is anticipated to range from EUR8.50 to EUR11. Preis highlighted the necessity for pharmacies to negotiate their remuneration directly with the statutory health insurance associations. He stressed the need for reliable frameworks to ensure equitable negotiations, warning against the dominance of health insurers that could undermine fair bargaining.

Preis also pointed to a significant signal from the government regarding the restriction of health insurers' power, particularly in the context of banning formal nullifications of prescriptions. He interpreted this as indicative of a shift towards a more collaborative political approach.

The ABDA is set to present concrete proposals aimed at integrating pharmacies more effectively into preventive healthcare. This will be discussed publicly on April 10 during the event 'Let's Talk' at the Berlin Apothekerhaus.

Preis expects that the promised reduction in bureaucratic red tape will primarily benefit patients, as pharmacy teams will no longer need to frequently consult with medical practices due to eased dispensing regulations. This change will enable pharmacies to provide faster and more efficient assistance to patients while also alleviating the burden on physicians.

Furthermore, the coalition has announced plans to tighten regulations in the online pharmaceutical market, particularly regarding compliance with legal requirements. However, Preis considers this a minimal step and insists that the public pharmacies need robust protections against online retailers that prioritize profit over patient care.