German Pharmacists Association Aims to Become Primary Care Hubs

The German Pharmacists Association (BAK) intends to further develop the role of the pharmacy profession in the coming years. At the opening of the pharmacon educational congress in Meran, BAK President Dr. Armin Hoffmann announced that the association aims to transform pharmacies into primary care hubs.

Hoffmann highlighted the rapid changes in healthcare, including increasing demand, complex therapies, staff shortages, and economic pressures on pharmacies. He also sees new opportunities for pharmacists across various fields. The BAK is consistently advocating for a professional, structural, and political transformation of the profession.

A key objective is to ensure reliable and fair remuneration for services. "Pharmacies are not a cost factor, but an investment in local healthcare," Hoffmann stated. He emphasized that the statutory service mandate cannot be fulfilled without stable economic conditions.

The BAK is also working on expanding pharmacy services. New pharmaceutical services, extended preventive tasks like vaccinations, and enhanced medication therapy safety are opening up new perspectives. Pharmacies could also serve as guides for patients navigating digital and analog health offerings. The pharmacon congress program includes discussions on gender-specific pharmacy and innovative therapy concepts.