The German Association of Pharmacists (ABDA) has offered reassurance regarding the supply of crucial medications as the colder months begin. According to Thomas Preis, the association’s president, the supply of seasonal medicines, including flu treatments, fever syrups, and antibiotics, has been secured. Speaking to the “Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung”, Preis stated that there is currently no danger of shortages in antibiotics this year.
However, this positive news regarding cold remedies does not address the deeper, structural supply issues affecting over 500 different medications. Preis noted that each pharmacy must invest approximately 20 working hours every week simply to find alternatives for unavailable drugs, consult with doctors, and advise patients. He emphasized that unnecessary bureaucracy from health insurance providers makes this process significantly harder. “We are already spending a great deal of time that should be spent on patient care rather than filling out papers and documents,” he explained.
In light of these issues, the association president advises the public to check their home medicine cupboards before the winter sets in. He strongly recommends verifying the expiration dates of essential medications, particularly for families with children. Preis reminded people that illnesses do not adhere to store hours or weekends.
