Mail order pharmacies receive backing from ABDA for price reduction initiatives
In a bid to ensure the integrity of prescription medicine distribution within Germany, Federal Health Minister Nina Warken (CDU) has proposed an initiative in Berlin to regulate online pharmacies. The exact details of this initiative, such as the specific legislative or regulatory steps planned, are not yet clear.
The Federal Association of German Pharmacists' Associations (ABDA) has welcomed this initiative, expressing concerns about the impact of discount offers from European online pharmacies on prescription medicines. The initiative aims to combat these discount offers and establish stricter regulations for European online pharmacies, addressing concerns about the quality and safety of prescription medicines sold by these platforms.
However, it is not yet known if the initiative will be discussed in parliament or if it is a unilateral decision by the Federal Health Minister. Additionally, it is unclear if the initiative will apply to all prescription medicines or only certain categories, and it does not mention any penalties for non-compliance with the proposed regulations. Furthermore, the initiative does not specify whether it includes all online pharmacies or only those based in Europe.
Minister Warken's recent efforts appear focused on broader healthcare reforms, long-term care financing, and pharmaceutical import/export issues such as medical cannabis regulation. The initiative to combat discount offers from European online pharmacies on prescription medicines, while not explicitly detailed in the latest publicly available information up to July 2025, aligns with Germany's historical concerns about cross-border online pharmacies and the potential risks they pose to public health.
As more information becomes available, it is expected that the German Health Ministry will provide further details about this initiative. Monitoring official announcements and legal texts will help to clarify the specifics of the proposed regulations and the timeline for their implementation.
[1] [Health Ministry website] [2] [ABDA website] [3] [German Pharmacists Association website] [4] [German Medical Association website]
The Federal Health Minister Nina Warken's initiative aims to regulate European online pharmacies in the field of health-and-wellness, hoping to combat discount offers that negatively impact prescription medicines in Germany. This endeavor, although not yet clearly defined in terms of penalties for non-compliance or scope of application, aligns with Germany's historical concerns about cross-border online pharmacies and their potential threats to public health.
As the Health Ministry provides further details about this initiative, it is essential to stay updated through official announcements and legal texts to understand the specifics of the proposed regulations and the timeline for their implementation.
