Niedersachsen Pharmacy Association Calls for Enhanced Compensation

The Niedersachsen Pharmacy Association (LAV) has expressed concerns regarding the proposed changes to pharmacy compensation discussed in ongoing coalition negotiations between the Union and SPD in Berlin. The health and care working group presented a proposal that includes increasing the pharmacy remuneration to EUR9.50 and abolishing the discount ban, with a potential increase to EUR11 for rural pharmacies. Future negotiations for pharmacy compensation are set to occur between pharmacies and the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Funds (GKV-Spitzenverband).

The LAV has welcomed the proposal but emphasized the need for further improvements. The association insists that the minimum compensation for pharmacies should be raised to at least EUR12 and calls for a reliable mechanism for automatic adjustments to this remuneration. Additionally, they seek compensation for the impacts of the discount ban and immediate financial support for pharmacies.

According to the LAV, the proposal represents a positive step towards strengthening local pharmacies, which has been overdue for some time. However, the association argues that the proposed increase to EUR9.50 is merely a starting point given the rising costs faced by pharmacies. They highlight that after twelve years of stagnant compensation and chronic underfunding of the pharmacy system, a significant financial boost is essential to ensure the continued provision of high-quality healthcare through a robust pharmacy network.

Furthermore, the LAV stresses the importance of equal compensation for all pharmacies, indicating that the proposed EUR9.50 may not provide sufficient relief due to ongoing price increases. They assert the necessity of a commitment to dynamically adjust pharmacy remuneration moving forward.

The LAV also requests compensation for the repercussions of the discount ban, stating that a sustainable financial support package is critical to maintaining comprehensive access to pharmacy services for all citizens. They emphasize that only adequately supported pharmacies will be able to fulfill the roles envisioned by the new government in the area of healthcare prevention.