The President of the Federal Association of German Pharmacist Associations (ABDA), Thomas Preis, has voiced strong concerns regarding plans proposed by Federal Minister of Health Nina Warken (CDU) to expand the responsibilities of Pharmacy Technical Assistants (PTAs) within pharmacies. Preis’s critique, shared with the Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung, centers on what he believes are potential risks to patient safety.
Minister Warken’s proposals include granting PTAs the authority to independently manage pharmacies during off-peak hours. Preis emphasized the critical nature of pharmaceutical products, highlighting that incorrect usage, inadequate advice, or unsuitable substitutions can have detrimental health consequences, potentially reversing medicine’s intended benefits.
He stressed the necessity of a pharmacist’s oversight in the production process of numerous medications, emphasizing the need for a final check and verification. Drawing a parallel to the aviation industry, Preis argued that a trained pharmacist, acting as the “pharmaceutical pilot” must remain involved to ensure accuracy and patient wellbeing.
Preis indicated this proposed path diverges from the broader aim of enhancing pharmacist expertise and competence. He signaled that substantial discussion will be necessary before any formal legislative draft is finalized, suggesting a period of negotiation between stakeholders.