Autumn Drug Deliveries Announced by Minister Warken (Revised)
The Federal Health Minister, Nina Warken, has expressed confidence that the availability of medicines will remain stable this autumn and winter. In a statement made to the German Press Agency, Warken acknowledged concerns about the past drug supply situation, particularly regarding children's medicines, but emphasised that prompt measures can be taken in case of drug shortages.
The reform Warken referred to aims to provide pharmacies with more leeway in drug exchanges. According to the reform, pharmacies will have more flexibility to exchange suitable available medicines, although specific details about the extent of this flexibility were not provided.
The improvement in the situation is not explicitly specified in the context provided. However, the previous government passed an Anti-Shortage Act in 2023 to address acute supply problems with children's medicines. Measures included strong stockpiling of medical products such as medicines and medical supplies to improve supply reliability and attractiveness of deliveries to Germany.
Several months' worth of stocks of frequently used drugs have become mandatory as a safety buffer, according to the Anti-Shortage Act. The reform discussed by Warken also eased price rules to make deliveries to Germany more attractive for drug manufacturers.
Warken also stated that the drug supply has received high attention at both the national and European levels. EU regulations will strengthen the production location in Europe, she added.
It's important to note that no information is given about the current state of the Anti-Shortage Act's implementation or the reform's implementation. Additionally, no details about the impact of the reform on the price rules for drug manufacturers were provided.
Despite these uncertainties, Warken predicted a stable situation in the availability of medicines this autumn and winter. Compared to previous years, the situation has improved, particularly with children's medicines, she asserted.
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