- Pharmacists voice their objections to Lauterbach's proposals
Thuringian Pharmacists Slam Federal Government's Pharmacy Overhaul Proposals
Thuringian pharmacists are expressing dissatisfaction with the federal government's proposed changes for pharmacies. Stefan Fink, head of the Thuringian Pharmacists' Union, said, "We need a reform that prioritizes pharmacists as healthcare professionals serving patients, rather than digitally controlled medicine dispensing machines." During protests in Erfurt and Dresden, Fink emphasized the necessity of financial security for pharmacies' economic planning.
Reform Proposal: Pharmacies Without On-Site Pharmacists
A contentious issue within the reform strategies proposed by Germany's Federal Health Minister, Karl Lauterbach (SPD), is the idea of allowing pharmacy branches to operate even if a pharmacist is only reachable via telephone or video conference in another branch. In Lauterbach's perspective, pharmaceutical technical assistants could manage local supplies in such situations.
Lauterbach aims to combat the declining presence of pharmacies in rural areas with this concept. Historically, a pharmacist's presence was required to open a pharmacy. Pharmacists reject Lauterbach's notion, claiming it jeopardizes the model of privately-owned pharmacies, job opportunities, and the population's medication supply.
Shrinking Pharmacy Population
According to the Federal Association of German Pharmacists' Associations (ABDA), the number of pharmacies has been diminishing for some time. By the first half of this year, there were 17,288 pharmacies across the nation, a decrease of 283 from New Year's. Key factors contributing to this decline include a lack of skilled labor and migration from rural areas. Moreover, according to the German Pharmacists' Union, pharmacy start-ups are becoming less financially viable. A review of the pharmacist's fee is necessary.
Thuringia's Pharmacy Situation
The number of pharmacies in Thuringia has been on a downward trend for years, dropping to approximately 500 by the end of 2023. This results in a calculated 23 pharmacies per 100,000 inhabitants, giving Thuringia a relatively high pharmacy density. Nationwide, the average was 21, while only Saxony-Anhalt and the Saarland had higher rates of 26 pharmacies per 100,000 inhabitants. The red-red-green Thuringian government provides financial assistance for pharmacists in rural areas, up to 40,000 euros.
The reform proposal from Germany's Federal Health Minister, Karl Lauterbach, includes the possibility of pharmacy branches operating without an on-site pharmacist, only reachable via telephone or video conference in another branch. This opening hours arrangement concerns Thuringian pharmacists, who argue that it jeopardizes their job opportunities and the population's medication supply.
In light of the proposed changes, Thuringian pharmacists are advocating for reforms that prioritize pharmacists as healthcare professionals, ensuring adequate opening hours to effectively serve patients.
