German Pharmacists Association demands adequate service remuneration

The German Pharmacists Association (DAV) is calling on legislators and health insurance companies to ensure that pharmacy services are adequately remunerated and regularly adjusted to reflect cost developments. Speaking at the opening of the EXPOPHARM trade fair in Munich, DAV Chairman Dr. Hans-Peter Hubmann stated that there must not be a new standstill in remuneration following 13 years of stagnation.

Hubmann emphasized that upcoming pharmacy reform packages will introduce five new pharmaceutical services, including counseling on smoking cessation and measurements of risk factors for cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. He stressed that these new services must be remunerated sufficiently to contribute to pharmacy earnings rather than just covering costs, warning that inadequate pay could prevent these services from being widely available.

Looking ahead, Hubmann noted that legally mandated negotiations between the DAV and health insurance providers starting in 2028 present an opportunity to adjust fees annually based on cost trends.