German Bundestag approves new law against drug shortages

In Germany, the government law, which aims to prevent future drug supply bottlenecks, was approved by the Bundestag.

In the vote in the Bundestag, the bill called “The law to combat bottlenecks in the delivery of off-patent medicines and to improve the supply of medicines for children (ALBVVG)” was approved by the votes of the Social Democratic Party, the Greens and the Free. Democratic Party (FDP), which formed the government.

Thus, the Bundestag paved the way for the government to take action to combat drug supply problems.

STRUCTURAL MEASURES IN THE SUPPLY OF MEDICINES

The new law introduces structural measures in the field of fixed prices for medicines, discount agreements and the supply of children’s medicines.

By law, pharmaceutical companies must keep stocks of certain drugs and antibiotics for at least 6 months.

In cases where children’s medicines are insufficient, pharmacies will be able to more easily distribute active ingredients from other manufacturers. Fixed price agreements and discounts for children’s medications will be eliminated.

Antibiotics produced in Europe will be favored and public incentives will be provided to reproduce more antibiotics on the continent.

Drug shortages caused by supply chain disruptions, which began with the Covid-19 pandemic in Germany, were drawing criticism.

German Health Minister Karl Lauterbach announced the bill in April.

Lauterbach stated that excessive savings have significantly worsened the supply of non-patentable drugs in Germany in recent years, and emphasized that Germany should again become more attractive as a market for pharmaceutical sales and a place of production.

A LIST OF 229 MEDICINES WAS PUBLISHED

The German Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM) published a list of 299 drugs in Germany last year on its website.

According to BfArM, the reason for the supply bottleneck was the lack of deliveries from countries such as China and India.

Pharmaceutical production had declined for many years in Europe due to cost.

Missing drugs in Germany included antibiotics, diabetes drugs, cancer drugs, immune system-related drugs, and pain relievers. (AA)