Germany’s Health Minister Karl Lauterbach has signaled that a new regulatory framework is being explored to address ongoing medicine shortages that have troubled German patients for months. In a recent interview, he outlined plans to strengthen national supply resilience and reduce dependence on a small number of global manufacturers.
He explained that the government is pursuing legislation that would allow medicines to be sourced from multiple regions around the world. The goal is to prevent the risk of disrupted supply resulting from a reliance on one or two factories in far-flung locations, ensuring a steadier flow of critical drugs for the German market. This shift would accompany efforts to diversify procurement beyond the cheapest option and toward suppliers that can ensure greater safety and reliability as part of a broader health policy strategy. [Citation: German Health Ministry]
The minister also faced questions about whether the health system places too much emphasis on short term economic considerations. He argued that policy must encompass not only drug purchases but also the business models behind medical practices, suggesting that patient care should not be compromised by cost pressures. This stance has sparked debate about how insurers, manufacturers, and providers balance affordability with quality care. [Citation: Health Policy Analysis]
During the discussion Lauterbach asserted the intention to phase out the practice of discount medicines. He stated that the goal is to ensure medicines are priced in a way that reflects true value and reliable availability, rather than merely chasing the lowest price. [Citation: Health Ministry Statement]
Germany has been grappling with drug shortages that have persisted since midyear, drawing attention to supply chain fragilities. Pharmacies across the country have reported frequent stockouts, forcing directors to manage substitutions and to rely on alternatives when standard products are unavailable. [Citation: National Pharmacy Association]
In particular, shortages have affected medicines intended for children, including antibiotics and fever reducers such as syrups or suppositories. These products have sometimes been less profitable to manufacture, which has contributed to reduced production capacity in the sector. The result is a steady stream of gaps in essential pediatric care. [Citation: Pediatric Pharmacology Council]
Supply chain disruptions in Asia have amplified demand for such remedies, adding pressure on availability. A rebound in respiratory illnesses has driven up orders for cough, cold, and fever medications, highlighting the fragile balance between global supply networks and local patient needs. [Citation: Global Health Logistics]
Most pharmacies report that shortages force them to offer alternatives that may differ in formulation or appearance even if the active ingredient remains the same. When feasible, manufacturers and distributors attempt to minimize the impact by adjusting stock and production, but patients may experience different side effects or varying effectiveness from substitute products. [Citation: Pharmacy Practice Review]
Healthcare organizations have condemned the current situation as among the most severe in decades. They are urging the government to create conditions that encourage European-based production and manufacturing capacity to return to the continent, aiming to reduce dependency on distant suppliers and improve regional security of supply. [Citation: European Pharmaceutical Trade Group]