Pharmacy Sector Voices Urgency in Response to Fee Increase Delay

The delay in increasing the pharmacy fixed fee, originally set to rise to 9.50 euros, has sparked significant criticism from the German pharmacy community. Thomas Preis, President of the ABDA, expressed "absolute incomprehension" regarding the postponement, emphasizing that this increase was promised in the coalition agreement as an immediate measure. In an interview with the 'Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung,' Preis warned that the ongoing delay further jeopardizes the financial stability of many pharmacies already grappling with challenges, especially with impending wage increases expected from minimum wage adjustments next year.

Federal Health Minister Nina Warken unveiled plans for a comprehensive pharmacy reform, but with the fee increase being put under "re-examination," many pharmacists are pushing for urgent political action. Preis highlighted that pharmacies are prepared to take on expanded healthcare responsibilities, such as administering certain vaccines and prescribing medications, but they need financial backing to do so effectively. He reiterated the necessity for prompt rectification of the fee situation to ensure the viability of pharmacy services across the country.