Health Minister Karl-Josef Laumann of North Rhine-Westphalia Advocates for Redefining Tasks for Pharmacies and Doctor’s Offices
North Rhine-Westphalia’s Health Minister Karl-Josef Laumann, a member of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), has called for a reevaluation of the tasks and responsibilities between pharmacies and doctor’s offices. In an interview with the Westdeutsche Allgemeine Zeitung, Laumann criticized the current fee system, saying it leads to unnecessary doctor’s visits for patients.
Laumann pointed out that patients, such as those with stable health conditions, are often required to visit their doctor’s office every quarter to receive medication for the next three months. He suggested that a yearly prescription would be a more practical and efficient solution. The health minister also emphasized the importance of pharmacies in the healthcare system, stating that they could take on more responsibilities, such as measuring blood pressure, a task that is currently performed by doctors.
Laumann believes that pharmacies, being the most accessible point of entry into the healthcare system, could help reduce the number of doctor-patient interactions. He expressed his support for a broader definition of the role of the pharmacist, one that would allow them to take on more responsibilities in the healthcare system.