In recent months, the planned pharmacy reform under Health Minister Karl Lauterbach has caused heated discussions and considerable unrest within the pharmacy sector. The draft bill, which provides for numerous changes, has been received differently by pharmacists, political representatives and health insurance companies. But what exactly does the reform contain?
Introduction of light shops
One of the most controversial points of the reform is the introduction of so-called light shops.These are to be allowed to operate without licensed pharmacists and only be supervised by pharmaceutical technical assistants (PTAs). The professional associations of pharmacists have sharply criticised this and see it as a threat to the quality of care and professional standards. This measure, originally intended to increase flexibility, is seen by many as an attack on the established pharmacist structure. The light branches are intended to reduce costs and make it easier to open new pharmacies, but have met with resistance as they could jeopardise the proven quality of pharmaceutical care.
Changes in fees
The planned changes also include an adjustment to fees. The trade margin is to be reduced from 3% to 2%, while the fixed fee is to be increased slightly. These measures are intended to ensure the profitability of pharmacies, but have met with mixed reactions. The health insurance funds in particular welcome these adjustments as a necessary step towards cost containment, while pharmacists fear that this could lead to considerable financial losses. These adjustments are aimed at increasing the profitability of pharmacies, but could jeopardise the financial equilibrium of many pharmacies, according to critics.
Political and social reactions
The reform plans have triggered a wide range of reactions. Protests and pharmacy closures have taken place in numerous federal states to demonstrate against the planned measures. Pharmacies are receiving support from various political players who are speaking out against the light branches and calling for an improvement to the reform proposals. These protests highlight the deep rifts between the various interest groups and the need to find a consensus-based approach. Politicians and industry representatives continue to debate intensively about the best way forward.
Approval and criticism
While some health insurance funds, such as the AOK, welcome the reform and urge that the measures should not be watered down, there are considerable concerns on the part of the German Pharmaceutical Industry Association (BPI). The BPI warns of the negative effects on the pharmacy structure and the nationwide supply of medicines. The AOK sees the reform as an opportunity to modernise and increase efficiency, while the BPI fears negative consequences for the supply of medicines and the existence of many pharmacies. These different perspectives show the complexity and challenges of the planned reform.
Outlook and future developments
The timetable originally planned for April could not be adhered to and the final decision on the reform is still pending. Further hearings and consultations are necessary in order to reach an agreement. It remains to be seen what the final measures will look like and what impact they will have on the pharmacy landscape in Germany. The coming months will be decisive in determining whether the reform will be judged a success or a failure. There is a lot at stake for the German pharmacy landscape and the quality of healthcare.
The 2024 pharmacy reform is at the centre of intense debate and will have a significant impact on the future of pharmacies in Germany. A compromise between the opposing positions of pharmacists, politicians and health insurance companies is not yet in sight. However, it is clear that the coming weeks and months will be decisive for the organisation of the healthcare system in Germany. It remains to be hoped that a solution will be found that ensures both the economic requirements and the high quality of the supply of medicines.
Source: https://www.apotheke-adhoc.de/
