Merz Aims to Block Lauterbach's Cabinet Position

The question arises whether the current Federal Minister of Health, Karl Lauterbach, will receive a position in the cabinet of the likely future Chancellor, Friedrich Merz.

Thomas Preis, President of the ABDA (Federal Union of German Associations of Pharmacists), has recently stated that the pharmacy community is ready to collaborate with any Health Minister. However, a group of 75 pharmacy owners from Mecklenburg-Vorpommern has taken a more direct stance, demanding that Lauterbach not be given any further responsibilities. Although their letter does not represent an official statement from their chamber or association, it does carry significant weight, as it represents over a quarter of the businesses in the state.

It is important to note that Merz, as CDU leader, cannot unilaterally prevent Lauterbach from being appointed as minister. In the exploratory talks and upcoming coalition discussions between the CDU/CSU and the SPD, while ministries will be assigned, each party will ultimately be responsible for its personnel decisions. Merz could only make a second term for Lauterbach less likely by requesting the Ministry of Health for the Union.

Furthermore, the pharmacy owners from the North have proposed an alternative: CDU member Simone Borchardt. They claim that she has demonstrated a deep understanding of the challenges in the healthcare sector and has developed pragmatic solutions. With her extensive experience at Barmer, they believe Borchardt embodies a personality capable of initiating and sustaining a necessary shift in health policy. They argue that such a change is essential, as Lauterbach's policies are systematically undermining local healthcare services.

The pharmacy community has reached out to Merz, urging the future Chancellor to initiate a new health policy that would benefit the 13,000 medium-sized individual enterprises in the industry. They highlight that 2024 saw a record 530 pharmacy closures, expressing frustration that instead of implementing effective measures, Lauterbach has focused on reforms that further jeopardize the economic foundation of pharmacies. The authors of the letter warn that Lauterbach's reform plans remain unimplemented and could exacerbate the ongoing pharmacy crisis.

Specifically, they cite increased bureaucratic burdens and the absence of meaningful fee increases over the past two decades. They argue that rising operational costs are leaving pharmacies in dire straits, leading to insolvencies and closures due to a lack of attractiveness for successors.

The closure of pharmacies not only severely impacts healthcare accessibility but also results in significant financial losses for municipalities and the state. Each closed pharmacy represents a loss in trade tax revenue and a decrease in income tax contributions.

Moreover, Lauterbach's reforms are perceived to favor mail-order pharmacies, which often operate under less stringent regulations and are not subject to the same oversight as local pharmacies. This situation is particularly concerning with the emergence of joint platforms that link online pharmacies with telemedicine services, where patients often receive prescriptions without a personal examination. The authors of the letter argue that this trend weakens local pharmacies and poses risks to patient care.

They contend that Lauterbach has not only permitted this negative trend but has, through a lack of support, accelerated it. Consequently, they assert it is crucial that in any future government, Lauterbach should not hold any responsibilities in the health sector. They expect the Chancellor to support policies that protect independent pharmacists, physicians, and patients rather than undermine them. The Union is urged to have the courage to initiate the much-needed course correction.