The proposed pharmacy reform unveiled by Federal Minister of Health Nina Warken (CDU) has drawn criticism from the German Federal Association of Pharmacists’ Associations (ABDA), specifically regarding the postponement of adjustments to pharmacy remuneration. Thomas Preis, President of ABDA, expressed strong disapproval, stating the delay is “absolutely incomprehensible.
The coalition agreement stipulated a one-time increase of the fixed fee to €9.50 as an immediate measure. The decision to defer this increase to the following year and subsequently re-evaluate it has heightened the already precarious financial situation for numerous pharmacies, according to Preis. He highlighted the added burden of anticipated wage increases next year due to the minimum wage hike.
Preis urged policymakers to act swiftly, emphasizing that the issue remains unresolved. He cautioned that a regulatory overhaul negotiated with health insurance companies would take too long to yield tangible results. He stressed the importance of an immediate, one-time increase. Preis cited the substantial savings pharmacies generate for health insurance companies – exceeding five billion euros annually through the implementation of discount agreements – as justification for the urgent action.
