Laumann Advocates for Stricter Regulations in Pharmaceutical Trade

Karl-Josef Laumann, the Minister of Health for North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), has called for enhanced oversight of the pharmaceutical mail-order trade during his speech at the Expopharm opening. Laumann, a member of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), emphasized the importance of the coalition agreement, which includes provisions aimed at improving conditions for pharmacies.

Among the key points in the coalition agreement is a proposed increase in the fixed fee for pharmacies to EUR9.50, along with plans for direct negotiations between pharmacists and health insurance providers. Laumann stated that this government-led step is necessary, but he believes that future discussions should resemble standard negotiations seen in other areas of healthcare.

Despite previous promises during the election campaign, pharmacies have not yet received the immediate financial assistance they were expecting. Recent comments from members of the ruling coalition suggest that adjustments to the pharmacy compensation structure may not occur as swiftly as hoped.

Thomas Preis, the President of the Federal Union of German Associations of Pharmacists (ABDA) and host of the summer reception, expressed optimism regarding the current sentiment in pharmacies, noting an improvement compared to the previous year. He believes that the coalition will uphold the commitments outlined in the coalition agreement, particularly concerning the support and strengthening of pharmacies.

According to Preis, the proposed increase in the fixed fee represents just a small initial step. Given the rising operational costs faced by pharmacies, he stressed the urgency of implementing these changes promptly.

Furthermore, the government aims to regulate the mail-order pharmacy sector more rigorously, addressing ongoing illegal practices by foreign mail-order pharmacies, which have been accused of offering unlawful prescription bonuses. Preis highlighted that these practices undermine the supply obligations of local pharmacies. The upcoming German Pharmacists' Day (DAT) will feature discussions about a potential ban on prescription mail-order services.