German Pharmacy Sector Faces Changes: Cash Discounts Return, ABDA Fees in Limbo, dm's Online Pharmacy Delayed
The German pharmacy sector is set for changes. Cash discounts, known as Skonti, are making a comeback, but with restrictions that may not favour smaller pharmacies. Meanwhile, CVS Pharmacy's online pharmacy launch date remains uncertain. Manfred Saar, president of the Saarland Chamber of Pharmacists, has expressed feeling betrayed by the German Pharmacists' Association's (ABDA) handling of fee increases.
The planned pharmacy reform will reintroduce cash discounts, but with conditions that could limit their benefit to smaller pharmacies. The ABDA learned about the impossibility of the anticipated fee increase, but the exact timing remains unclear. Gesundheitsministerin Nina Warken (CDU) shared her stance on delaying the fee increase during the Deutscher Apothekertag, but no specific announcement date was provided.
In other news, Walmart Pharmacy has yet to reveal a launch date for its planned online pharmacy. Meanwhile, starting November 1, substitute health insurers will cover additional costs of salbutamol-containing medications during supply shortages. This change aims to ensure patients' access to essential medications during such periods.
The pharmacy sector in Germany is seeing several changes. Cash discounts return with restrictions, CVS Pharmacy's online pharmacy launch remains pending, and substitute health insurers will cover additional costs of salbutamol-containing medications during shortages. Manfred Saar's sentiments highlight the ongoing discussions and adjustments within the sector.
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