Drug supply security a key challenge in Northern Germany

Schleswig-Holstein Health Minister Kerstin von der Decken met today with representatives from the Northern Association of Pharma Deutschland and the Northern Association of the Chemical Industry (VCI Nord) to discuss drug supply security. The meeting took place at G. Pohl-Boskamp GmbH & Co. KG in Hohenlockstedt.

At the discussion, Babette Reiken, chairwoman of the Northern Association of Pharma Deutschland, highlighted the challenges faced by the pharmaceutical industry in maintaining production sites in northern Germany. She stressed the urgent need for reliable framework conditions for the sector and secure financing for statutory health insurance.

Minister von der Decken acknowledged the multifaceted nature of drug manufacturing and supply challenges, noting that solutions are not singular. She expressed positivity regarding ongoing European-level efforts to strengthen the supply of critical medicines. The state government will continue to advocate for optimal conditions within its purview for drug production and distribution.

Further topics during the multi-hour exchange included stockholding obligations and the pricing of basic medications, as well as innovations and further developments of known active ingredients. The pharmaceutical association views an adjustment of the current Drug Market Reorganization Act (AMNOG) as necessary to ensure both economic viability and a diversity of medicines in northern Germany.

Ilse Boskamp, a member of the management board at G. Pohl-Boskamp GmbH & Co. KG, underscored the family company's commitment to supplying patients with medicines and medical products from northern Germany. She stated that reliable framework conditions are essential for continued profitable production in Hohenlockstedt. Boskamp also expressed conviction that improving basic healthcare provisions through statutory health insurance, without increasing contributions, can bolster democracy.