CDU Plans to Highlight Benefits of Local Pharmacies

The Christian Democratic Union (CDU) has announced its intention to emphasize the competitive advantages that local pharmacies hold over online pharmacies in the upcoming legislative term. As the market for prescription medications becomes increasingly dominated by online vendors, the CDU asserts that the unique offerings of physical pharmacies must be brought to the forefront.

In a recent statement, the party highlighted that local pharmacies provide a range of services that significantly enhance patient safety and accessibility. These include consultations on medication safety, blood pressure monitoring, and asthma management programs, which are not as readily available through online channels. The CDU aims to showcase these advantages more prominently, stating that the benefits of in-person pharmacies should be "more visible."

Additionally, the CDU plans to address the bureaucratic barriers that currently encumber pharmacy operations. The party has committed to reviewing and reducing unnecessary administrative burdens that pharmacies face in their daily operations. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to improve the viability of local pharmacies and ensure they remain a reliable source of medication and health services.

The CDU has also called for adjustments to the existing financial structures that govern pharmacies, such as the pharmacy fixed fee and the reimbursement rates from health insurance funds. These adjustments aim to make compensation more relevant to current healthcare dynamics. The party previously outlined these proposals in a resolution regarding the Medical Research Act in July 2024 and has reiterated its commitment to these reforms moving forward.

In its election manifesto, the CDU promised to introduce a pharmacy strengthening law, emphasizing the necessity of supporting local pharmacies as vital healthcare providers. The statement reiterated that pharmacies are essential not only as primary points of contact for health concerns but also as crucial providers of medications around the clock.

Pharmacy-related topics have gained attention across all political parties, with each party outlining their strategies for enhancing the pharmacy sector and addressing challenges within the healthcare system. The ABDA (the Federal Union of German Associations of Pharmacists) has launched the initiative "What's Apo" to collect the political positions of candidates running for Bundestag, ensuring that pharmacy issues remain a focal point in the election discourse.

As the election approaches, it will be crucial to monitor how these proposed changes will impact the landscape of pharmacy services in Germany, especially in the face of ongoing competition from online providers.