Medicines distributed in the autumn, asserts Health Minister Warken
Federal Health Minister Nina Warken has reassured the public that the supply of drugs is a high priority at both the national and European levels. She emphasised that the reform she is proposing aims to provide pharmacies with more leeway in drug substitution, which could help ensure a steady supply of medications.
However, it's important to note that the reform does not explicitly guarantee the supply of drugs. Instead, it highlights the importance of taking appropriate measures promptly in case of drug shortages.
In 2023, the previous government, led by the coalition of SPD, Bündnis 90/Die Grünen, and FDP (the "Ampel" coalition), enacted an Anti-Shortage Law (Anti-Knappgutgesetz) aimed at improving the supply of children's medicines. The law focused on measures to mitigate supply chain issues and ensure better availability of essential medications for children.
The reform, as suggested by Nina Warken, does not directly refer to the Anti-Shortage Law passed in 2023. However, it does suggest that further EU regulations will strengthen the production location in Europe, which could indirectly support the efforts made by the 2023 Anti-Shortage Law.
Moreover, the reform does not repeat the relaxation of price rules or the mandatory stocks of frequently used drugs as measures addressed in the Anti-Shortage Law. Yet, it does propose giving pharmacies more flexibility in exchanging suitable available drugs, which could potentially help manage supply chain issues.
Nina Warken also highlighted that the situation with children's medications has improved compared to previous years. She predicts a stable situation in medicine availability for fall and winter, but the reform, as stated, does not make a direct prediction about the upcoming season.
In summary, while the reform does not guarantee the supply of drugs, it aims to provide pharmacies with more flexibility and support the European production of medications. The improvements in the situation with children's medications and the prediction of a stable winter are positive signs, but they are not explicitly linked to the reform as proposed.
