Pharma Deutschland criticizes new austerity proposals in health committee

Berlin – Pharma Deutschland e.V. has criticized proposals presented during a hearing in the health committee concerning the distribution of cytostatics and increased fees for digital health applications (DiGA). The association argues that the proposals fail to adequately consider the risks to established supply chains in cancer therapy and the consequences of additional fee reductions for digital therapies.

Specifically, the association opposes the reintroduction of pharmacy-based tenders for cytostatics, stating it could jeopardize continuity and quality of patient care. Furthermore, Pharma Deutschland rejects the proposed additional fee reduction for DiGA applications, which would be based on user engagement. The association contends this approach would devalue the assessment of the medical benefit of these applications.

"These two proposals represent a short-sighted austerity policy that weakens the quality of our healthcare infrastructure and the pharmaceutical companies in Germany," stated Dorothee Brakmann, Chief Executive Officer of Pharma Deutschland. She emphasized that stabilizing statutory health insurance finances requires reforms that combine economic efficiency with reliable care.

Pharma Deutschland calls for the removal of both proposals from the amendment package. The association stresses that the quality and reliability of patient care must remain the central criteria in health policy, and austerity measures at the expense of patients should not be implemented.