German pharmacies are voicing concerns about potential drug supply shortages this winter. Thomas Preis, President of the Federal Association of German Pharmacists’ Associations (ABDA), told “Bild am Sonntag” that pharmacies are “very poorly prepared” for the coming winter, citing persistent issues with drug delivery as an ongoing problem.
Preis emphasized that patients are the primary sufferers, with over 500 medications currently officially listed as difficult to obtain and a “supply shortage” reported for some. Specific medications of concern include antibiotic syrups for children, the asthma medication Salbutamol and medications used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHS). Preis indicated that the supply of fever, cold and cough syrups is currently secure.
The ABDA attributes the shortages to a reliance on production facilities outside of Europe. “Germany used to be the world’s pharmacy” Preis stated, “now the world’s pharmacy is located in China or India. And when production facilities there have problems, it immediately affects supply in Europe and in Germany.
Preis also sharply criticized online pharmacies, particularly those operating from abroad, accusing them of “picking out the best” and potentially damaging the system. He argued that these pharmacies do not adhere to German drug price regulations and that authorities are failing to adequately address the issue. “These vendors are violating this regulation thousands of times every day and our government is looking on idly” he stated.
