Pharmacists in Thuringia Raise Concerns Over Government Proposals
Pharmacists in Thuringia, led by Stefan Fink, head of the Thuringian Pharmacists' Union, are challenging the German federal government's proposed pharmacy reforms. Fink believes that the reforms should prioritize pharmacists as healthcare professionals, instead of treating them like mere digital dispenser machines.
The Lauterbach Controversy
Germany's Federal Health Minister, Karl Lauterbach (SPD), has proposed an unconventional solution to combat the dwindling number of pharmacies in rural areas: allowing pharmacy branches to function even when the resident pharmacist is only reachable via telephone or video call at another location. Lauterbach argues that pharmaceutical technical assistants could manage local supplies in such instances.
However, this concept is met with stern opposition from pharmacists who fear it could undermine the business model of privately-owned pharmacies, put jobs at risk, and jeopardize the population's medication supply.
Pharmacy Population Decline
According to the Federal Association of German Pharmacists' Associations (ABDA), the number of pharmacies has been dwindling for some time now. With only 17,288 pharmacies across the nation by mid-2022, the decline amounts to 283 fewer pharmacies compared to New Year's. Factors contributing to this decline include scarce skilled labor and emigration from rural areas. Moreover, starting a new pharmacy has become financially less feasible.
Thuringia, unfortunately, shares this trend, as its number of pharmacies dropped to approximately 500 by the end of 2023, totaling 23 pharmacies per 100,000 inhabitants, a relatively high density compared to the national average of 21.
Thuringia's Reform Debate
The proposed operation model with no on-site pharmacist has raised concerns among Thuringian pharmacists, fearing for their job opportunities and the population's medication supply. They are advocating for reforms that emphasize pharmacists as vital healthcare professionals, ensuring adequate opening hours for prompt patient service.
Wider Implications
Considering the current discussions on supply chain disruptions and the proposed Critical Medicines Act in the EU, pharmacists raise concerns about medication availability and safety. The absence of on-site pharmacists might also impact the accuracy of medication dispensing, patient counseling, patient safety, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Regulatory and professional practice concerns are also valid in the face of such radical pharmacy overhauls.
[1] ONCOnnect project emphasizes strong networking between healthcare providers for comprehensive care.
[2] EU may consider a Critical Medicines Act to tackle Asian manufacturing overrelience and potential supply chain disruptions.
