It will be a long time before the manufacturers change their production.
(Photo: dpa)
If even the simplest medicines are no longer available in Germany, something is going terribly wrong. Patients have had to get used to overworked nurses, ailing clinics and full medical practices. However, not being able to get fever syrup and cancer medication from the pharmacy is a new, painful experience for many.
Health Minister Karl Lauterbach wants to solve the problem with money. Manufacturers of patent-free medicines, so-called generics, have recently left the market and are to be lured with higher prices. In addition, it should play a role in future negotiations for discount agreements with statutory health insurance companies whether a manufacturer produces in Europe. So far, Asia has been the most important location.