Ahead of a planned cabinet decision on healthcare reform, SPD General Secretary Tim Klüssendorf has called for increased financial responsibility from pharmaceutical corporations. Speaking to the press, Klüssendorf emphasized that the segment of medicinal drugs represents a major point of leverage for reform. He pointed out that Germany spends more per capita on medicine than any other country in Europe. Therefore, the reform proposal, he argued, must significantly address drug pricing and clearly limit the pricing power of major pharmaceutical companies, rather than placing the financial burden onto families and monthly contributors.
Klüssendorf stressed that industry must contribute their fair share, arguing that ensuring the security of healthcare is a shared responsibility between the state and the industry. He insisted that this crucial sector cannot be financed through higher premiums and co-payments.
The General Secretary strongly criticized the current draft, arguing that it creates an imbalance by shifting too much strain onto the public who already pay high monthly contributions. Increases in co-payments, cuts to existing benefits, and pressure on sickness benefits would disproportionately affect those already struggling within the system. He stressed the importance of protecting families, noting that no one should have to worry at the end of the month whether they can afford to fill a prescription or postpone their next doctor’s appointment.
Separately, Federal Health Minister Nina Warken (CDU) has shown recent openness to amendments regarding the health expenditure “saving package”. However, she made it clear that the overall volume of the package must remain intact; if that condition is met, she remains open to considering other suggestions.
