The proposed pharmacy reform unveiled by Federal Health Minister Nina Warken (CDU) has drawn criticism from the German Federal Association of Pharmacists’ Associations (ABDA). Thomas Preis, President of ABDA, voiced strong disapproval regarding the postponed adjustment of pharmacy fees, according to an interview with the Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung.
The coalition agreement had stipulated an immediate increase of the fixed fee to €9.50 as a short-term measure. Preis criticised the decision to defer this increase to next year, with a subsequent reassessment, stating that it exacerbates the already strained economic situation for many pharmacies. He highlighted the expectation of rising wage costs due to planned minimum wage increases, impacting businesses in the coming year.
Preis urged policymakers to take swift action, emphasizing that the issue remains unresolved. He argued that a new regulatory framework negotiated with health insurance companies would be too lengthy to yield timely impact. He further advocated for an immediate, one-off fee increase, citing the significant savings-over €5 billion annually-that pharmacies deliver to health insurance companies through the implementation of discount agreements.