Call for an Independent Ministry of Health

In light of the ongoing exploratory talks between the CDU/CSU and SPD, the pharmacy sector is urging the new federal government to prioritize the stabilization of local pharmacy services within health policy.

The President of the German Pharmacy Association (ABDA) has highlighted that the current state of pharmaceutical supply is characterized by significant delivery shortages and a troubling decline in the number of pharmacies, complicating access to medicines. With an aging population, advancements in medical science, and the rise of digital health solutions, it is critical that communities have robust and stable pharmacies as their first point of contact in the healthcare system.

To address these issues, the ABDA is advocating for immediate measures to stabilize pharmacies. The long-standing stagnation in fee developments over the past twelve years has led to a severe underfunding of pharmacy operations, according to the association's president.

It is essential for health care to be a central topic during the ongoing negotiations. A decision to categorize health as merely a sub-department within a larger ministry would be detrimental to public welfare, given the significant challenges posed by demographic shifts.

The ABDA is also eager to engage with the new government about expanding the services offered by pharmacies. To effectively respond to the increasing demand for healthcare services, pharmacies are preparing to take on greater responsibilities in areas such as prevention, patient management, nursing care, and vaccination. However, this expansion of roles is contingent upon strengthening the pharmacy sector.

The ABDA president reiterated the need for urgent action to avert a crisis in the pharmacy sector. Over the past decade, nearly 20% of pharmacies have closed, while operational costs have surged by 60%, with personnel expenses rising by 80%. Despite these challenges, the remuneration for pharmacy services has remained unchanged since 2013, with only EUR8.35 per package, of which just EUR6.57 remains after mandatory discounts for health insurers.