Pharmacists consider Lauterbach plans to be "deceptive packaging"
Pharmacists in Brandenburg oppose plans by Federal Health Minister Karl Lauterbach (SPD) and fear a "two-tier system" in the future. The chairman of the pharmacists' association, Olaf Behrendt, told the Deutsche Presse-Agentur that Lauterbach's proposals, for example for relaxed requirements for new pharmacy branches, would not bring any relief. "They are all deceptive packages. He would be taking an axe to the system."
In Brandenburg, nine pharmacies have closed since the beginning of the year. According to the association, there are 544 pharmacies, compared to 553 at the beginning of the year.
Pharmacists' association against easing restrictions for new branches
Lauterbach wants to make it easier to open new pharmacies in regions with a sparse network. In future, branches should not be forced to offer full emergency services, maintain a laboratory or prepare prescriptions. In September, Lauterbach proposed that pharmacists should no longer have to be on site.
This would create a "two-tier pharmacy", criticized Behrendt, who runs a pharmacy in Fehrbellin (Ostprignitz-Ruppin district). "There are no discussions at eye level, the anger is very high."
Pharmacists from eastern Germany want to take to the streets on November 29 to protest against the federal government's healthcare policy and for higher fees. A central rally is planned in Dresden. Pharmacies in Brandenburg will also close on the day and take part in the protest. Previously, there had already been actions in other federal states.
Association speaks of "poisoned offers" from Lauterbach
One of the health minister's plans envisages that in future, screening tests for high blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes can also be carried out in pharmacies and that these will be remunerated. If the values measured there are abnormal, the patient should go to their GP.
"These are poisonous offers that he is making us in order to drive a wedge between doctors and pharmacists," criticized Behrendt. The pharmacies' capacities are already exhausted. Furthermore, in Behrendt's view, remuneration has remained at the same level for 20 years.
Many medicines, including antibiotics, are still not available. "There really are cases now where we are sending people away". He hopes that there won't be a big wave of colds now, said Behrendt.
- Despite the concerns of pharmacists, Lauterbach proposes to allow pharmacies to offer reduced emergency services and prescription preparation in sparse areas, which some see as a step towards a "two-tier system."
- The Health Minister's plan to compensate pharmacies for conducting screening tests for blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes may seem like beneficial offers to some, but Olaf Behrendt, the chairman of the pharmacists' association, views them as "poisoned" attempts to create tension between doctors and pharmacists.
Source: www.dpa.com
