Saxony-Anhalt Pharmacists Raise Concerns Over Proposed Pharmacy Reforms

Pharmacists in Saxony-Anhalt have voiced strong concerns regarding the latest proposals for pharmacy reform in Germany, highlighting the risk to local pharmaceutical care and the financial sustainability of community pharmacies. During a recent assembly in Magdeburg, two main aspects of the proposed changes drew particular criticism: the temporary authorization for pharmaceutical technical assistants (PTAs) to represent pharmacists, and the delay of the planned increase in the fixed dispensing fee.

The regional pharmacy chamber, led by its president, has emphasized that the suggested reforms could have significant negative effects on both the profession and the healthcare system. Pharmacists argue that allowing PTAs to temporarily act in place of licensed pharmacists represents a substantial alteration to existing regulatory structures. Concerns have been raised that such changes could undermine the quality and safety of pharmaceutical care, especially in rural areas where access to qualified professionals is already limited.

Another key point of contention is the postponement of the fixed fee increase for pharmacies, which had been promised as an immediate relief measure in coalition agreements. With the current economic pressures facing many independent pharmacies, professionals in the field argue that the absence of this adjustment exacerbates already challenging financial conditions. According to the regional chamber, the proposed reforms fail to address the core economic difficulties faced by pharmacies, offering little improvement to their financial stability.

In response to these challenges, pharmacists attending the assembly unanimously adopted a resolution calling on policymakers to reconsider the current legislative proposals. The resolution warns that, without prompt government intervention, entire regions could be at risk of losing accessible pharmaceutical services. The document also argues that parts of the draft legislation could further destabilize community pharmacies rather than support or strengthen them.

The chamber intends to submit the resolution to relevant political representatives, including the parliamentary state secretary at the Federal Ministry of Health. Discussions are expected to focus on both the financial aspects of the reforms and the implications of granting PTAs expanded representative powers. The chamber leadership remains hopeful that legal professionals within the government will recognize the potential systemic risks posed by the proposed changes.

Pharmacy associations have reiterated their demand for the immediate implementation of the promised fee adjustment, emphasizing that this measure is critical to maintaining the viability of local pharmacies. They contend that the current draft reforms do not provide adequate solutions to the economic and structural problems facing the sector.

As the pharmacy reform debate continues, the concerns raised in Saxony-Anhalt echo broader sentiments across Germany's pharmacy sector. Many professionals believe that sustainable solutions require both financial support and a regulatory framework that prioritizes patient safety and the professional expertise of pharmacists. Stakeholders are urging policymakers to engage in further dialogue and to consider alternatives that will ensure the long-term stability and accessibility of pharmaceutical care throughout the country.