Calls Intensify for Urgent Action on Pharmacy Reform Measures

Discussions surrounding the planned reform of pharmacy regulations in Germany have highlighted a growing consensus among stakeholders regarding the need for immediate action to address challenges facing the pharmaceutical sector. Central to the debate are concerns about the sufficiency of pharmacy remuneration, the structure of future negotiations between pharmacies and statutory health insurance funds, and the implications of proposed changes to professional roles within pharmacies.

The modification of the fixed dispensing fee for pharmacies has emerged as a pivotal issue. Industry representatives argue that increasing the fixed fee per prescription package to EUR9.50, as outlined in the coalition agreement, is not only economically necessary but an essential step to maintain the accessibility of pharmaceutical services, especially in rural regions. Data indicates a notable decline in the number of pharmacies in Schleswig-Holstein, with 128 closures over the past decade. The reduction in pharmacy density has resulted in longer travel distances for patients, particularly in underserved rural communities, which raises concerns about ensuring timely access to essential medications and emergency pharmaceutical services.

Further complicating the situation is the proposed shift to a negotiation model between pharmacies and the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Funds (GKV). The pharmacy sector has expressed reservations about the current framework, emphasizing that the guidelines for these negotiations lack specificity and robust criteria. Stakeholders warn that without clear parameters, the new model could perpetuate the structural underfunding of community pharmacies rather than addressing it.

Another aspect of the reform that has generated significant debate is the proposal allowing pharmaceutical technical assistants (PTA) to temporarily manage pharmacies in the absence of a licensed pharmacist. Industry associations have voiced strong opposition, asserting that this measure could undermine the professional integrity and identity of pharmacists. They caution that such changes have the potential to weaken the quality of pharmaceutical care and erode public trust in the sector.

Policy-makers from the opposition have recognized the urgency of the situation, noting the risks that ongoing underfunding and regulatory uncertainty pose to the stability of pharmacy services in large, geographically diverse states. They stress that fulfilling the commitments made in the coalition agreement, particularly regarding the adjustment of pharmacy remuneration, is essential to safeguarding the future of community pharmacies and maintaining comprehensive health care provision.

In summary, the ongoing debate over pharmacy reform underscores the complex interplay between economic viability, regulatory frameworks, and professional standards in the German health care system. Stakeholders are calling for clear, actionable measures to address funding shortfalls, define transparent negotiation processes, and ensure that the core responsibilities and professional identity of pharmacists are preserved. The outcome of these reforms is likely to have far-reaching consequences for the accessibility and quality of pharmaceutical care across Germany.