
Double Feature at the Orangerie
Section: Arts
The CEO of Doc Morris, Walter Hess, recently engaged in an in-depth interview with the Funke Media Group, where he addressed the ongoing challenges faced by traditional pharmacies due to the rise of online pharmaceutical services. Hess emphasized that while online pharmacies have been providing competition through lower pricing, they are not responsible for the decline in the number of physical pharmacies in Germany.
According to Hess, the reduction in the number of pharmacies has been a steady trend since 2010, coinciding with an increase in prescription drug sales from EUR31 billion to EUR58 billion. He attributed the decrease in physical pharmacies to internal industry factors rather than the impact of online competition, stating that foreign EU online pharmacies account for about one percent of the market.
In discussing the controversial practice of offering Rx bonuses, Hess argued that such incentives are beneficial for society. He claimed that Doc Morris manages to achieve efficiencies that could help reduce healthcare costs, but current regulations prevent them from directly contracting with health insurers to share these savings. Instead, the company aims to provide direct bonuses to patients to alleviate their healthcare expenses.
Hess defended the provision of Rx bonuses by online pharmacies as a fair competitive practice, contrasting it with the regulations that restrict local pharmacies from offering similar incentives. He suggested that the current pricing structure for medications should be reformed, proposing a shift from a fixed pricing model to a maximum price system. This change would allow pharmacies to decide whether to offer limited bonuses to patients.
In summary, Hess's comments reflect a call for a reevaluation of the regulatory landscape governing pharmacies in Germany, advocating for reforms that could foster a more competitive environment benefiting consumers.
Section: Arts
Section: Arts
Section: Business
Section: News
Section: Business
Section: Arts
Section: Arts
Section: News
Section: Arts
Section: Arts
Health Insurance in Germany is compulsory and sometimes complicated, not to mention expensive. As an expat, you are required to navigate this landscape within weeks of arriving, so check our FAQ on PKV. For our guide on resources and access to agents who can give you a competitive quote, try our PKV Cost comparison tool.
Germany is famous for its medical expertise and extensive number of hospitals and clinics. See this comprehensive directory of hospitals and clinics across the country, complete with links to their websites, addresses, contact info, and specializations/services.
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