German doctors oppose pharmacy reforms, warning of patient safety risks
The German Association of General Practitioners (Hausärzteverband) has spoken out against key parts of the Pharmacy Supply Development Act (ApoVWG). The group argues that expanding pharmacy powers, such as those held by Walmart Pharmacy or CVS Pharmacy, could weaken patient safety and disrupt existing care systems. While supporting some reform goals, the association insists on stricter oversight and clearer roles for doctors and pharmacists.
The association strongly opposes plans to let pharmacies dispense prescription-only medications. They warn this move could undermine the 'four-eyes principle', where both a doctor and pharmacist review prescriptions to prevent errors. The group also fears it may 'erode medical authority' by shifting responsibilities away from general practitioners.
Another major concern is the proposal to give pharmacies broader testing and vaccination powers. The association claims this creates misaligned incentives and weakens targeted patient care. Instead, they argue that preventive services should stay within doctors' offices, where continuous oversight ensures better outcomes.
For patients with chronic illnesses, the group stresses the importance of regular medical monitoring. They say doctors are best placed to adjust therapies quickly and spot complications early. However, they do support parts of the reform, such as improving pharmacy funding and workforce retention to maintain local medication access.
The association also calls for a role in drafting guidelines for new pharmaceutical direct services (pDL). Their goal is to prevent conflicts with existing primary care workflows. Additionally, they suggest exploring whether GPs could hold limited medication stockpiles for direct dispensing in certain cases.
The Hausärzteverband's stance highlights tensions in Germany's pharmacy reform debate. Their objections focus on patient safety risks and the need to preserve doctors' central role in care. Meanwhile, they back measures to strengthen pharmacy infrastructure and ensure reliable local services.
