Health Minister Nina Warken (CDU) has rejected calls from the pharmaceutical industry to be exempt from the changes proposed in the contribution stabilization law. She stated in the weekend editions of the Funke media group’s newspapers that “every sector must make its contribution” to this reform, ruling out the possibility of exempting the pharmaceutical sector from planned cost savings.
The minister’s position comes in response to sharp criticism from the industry, which has seen major players like the US giant Eli Lilly and the German company Boehringer Ingelheim threaten to review or reduce planned investments. Warken appeared unfazed, describing the proposed package as well-balanced.
While acknowledging that many pharmaceutical companies are facing economic pressure, Warken emphasized that the legislation will not provide additional revenue for the industry. Nonetheless, she stressed that Germany remains an attractive location for the sector. This attractiveness stems from several factors, including the reimbursement of medicines by the statutory health insurance system, strong research conditions, and opportunities for clinical trials. The federal government aims to further improve the regulatory environment under its pharma strategy and is willing to consider industry suggestions regarding better investment planning.
Warken also dismissed warnings that the reform might harm patients. She pointed out that while the statutory health insurance system offers the industry a reliable and large market, its financial scope is necessarily limited.
She concluded by highlighting that Germany remains highly competitive for new drugs because manufacturers are granted the freedom to set the introductory price of new medications during the first six months after market entry. According to Warken, “We offer the quickest access to innovative medicines compared to other countries in Europe,” indicating that Germany remains a vital hub for the international pharmaceutical industry.
