The Future of Healthcare Professions

Cathrin Burs, the President of the Lower Saxony Chamber of Pharmacists, addressed the challenges and expectations facing pharmacists during a recent chamber assembly held in Hanover. In her speech, she emphasized the vital role of pharmacies in the healthcare system and called for a new political era under the newly elected government.

Burs criticized the Federal Ministry of Health, led by Karl Lauterbach, for a lack of transparent and solution-oriented dialogue with healthcare professions over the past four years. Despite these challenges, she noted that the significance of pharmacies has been increasingly recognized, as evidenced by their inclusion in coalition agreements.

She highlighted the need for financial recognition of the contributions made by pharmacies during the COVID-19 pandemic, which she believes has not been adequately addressed during Lauterbach's term. Burs pointed out the necessity of raising public awareness regarding both the substantial efforts of pharmacies and their ongoing economic difficulties.

During her remarks, Burs expressed gratitude towards former ABDA President Gabriele Regina Overwiening for her dedication and commended the political campaign that successfully established the important role of pharmacies in health policy discussions. She stated that every conversation held was worthwhile in fostering greater understanding and support for pharmacy positions among lawmakers.

However, she also took the opportunity to criticize the ABDA member assembly held in December of the previous year, describing it as a failure of parliamentary representation. Burs remarked on the unsuccessful re-election of Overwiening, stating it represented a setback for trust and credibility within the organization. She emphasized the importance of maintaining trust with members, comparing it to a piece of paper that, once crumpled, cannot be perfectly restored.

Looking forward, Burs asserted that the future of the pharmacy profession lies within the healthcare sector, and she urged for constructive engagement with the new government to address the pressing issues facing pharmacies.