Germany’s statutory health insurers have demanded that Health Minister Nina Warken (CDU) take action against continuously rising drug prices. Oliver Blatt, chairman of the GKV federation, told the “Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung” that pharmaceutical prices in Germany are already the highest after those in the United States, and that politicians have so far been too hesitant to change the situation.
When asked whether drug prices could be lowered without driving manufacturers away, Blatt answered positively, calling the claim that high prices would encourage more production in Germany “nonsense”. He added that German companies already manufacture drugs in China and India, and that the pharmacy lobby’s argument is merely a pretext.
Minister Warken has set up an expert commission that is expected to present cost‑saving proposals for the health system by the end of March. She has also said that drug costs must be brought “under control” though she has not ruled out higher patient co‑payments.
Last year insurers spent €58.5 billion on pharmaceuticals-more than on outpatient physician care. Blatt explained to “NOZ” that daily costs per patient for new medicines have risen 180 % since 2012. Over 40,000 patients receive treatments worth more than €100,000 per year. He argued that all of this supports involving the pharmaceutical industry in the savings needed across the health system, and that this can be achieved without losing the industry.
Blatt also dismissed the claim that price caps worsen recurring supply shortages, saying that higher prices do not improve supply. He noted that most shortages are temporary and are compensated by alternative medicines, ensuring adequate availability. Furthermore, he pointed out that the market has a clear ceiling: within 52 days of initial approval, new drugs become accessible to all 75 million statutory‑insured individuals. The market is well‑financed; money is not an issue, he stressed.
