Doctors clash with Germany’s health minister over pharmacy reform risks
Health Minister Nina Warken's pharmacy reform plans have sparked controversy. Doctors, represented by the Virchowbund, have largely opposed the proposals, as revealed during a recent hearing. The main point of contention is the expansion of pharmacists' roles and responsibilities.
Dr. Dirk Heinrich, federal chairman of the Virchowbund, stated that pharmacists are seeking higher fixed fees, not new services. The association opposes pharmacists taking on expanded powers in diagnostics, prevention, or therapeutic decision-making. This includes vaccinations and rapid tests without medical supervision.
Heinrich argued that any expansion of pharmacists’ responsibilities must demonstrate clear meaning and cost-effectiveness. He also stressed the need to clarify follow-up care costs for unscheduled tests. The Virchowbund demands clear legal distinctions between medical and pharmaceutical activities.
Warken's plans include expanding pharmacists’ responsibilities to include vaccinations, rapid tests, and prescription medication dispensing in exceptional cases. However, Heinrich criticized testing in drugstore chains, warning it could increase demand for medical consultations. The Virchowbund also demands mandatory feedback from pharmacies to treating doctors and legal clarification for all prescriptions of Rx medications.
The Virchowbund, supported by the Hausärzteverband, has warned that separating diagnostics from therapy and making medical decisions without physician accountability could endanger patient safety and undermine medical treatment principles. As the pharmacy reform progresses, these concerns will need to be addressed.
Read also:
- Federal Funding Supports Increase in Family Medicine Residency Program, Focusing on Rural Health Developments
- Potential Role of DHA in Shielding the Brain from Saturated Fats?
- Alternative Gentle Retinoid: Exploring Bakuchiol Salicylate for Sensitive Skin
- Hanoi initiates a trial program for rabies control, along with efforts to facilitate the transition from the dog and cat meat trade industry.
