Health Minister Highlights Need for Reform and the Role of Pharmacies

In a recent session of the Bundestag, the German Federal Minister of Health emphasized the pressing need for reforms in the healthcare sector and underscored the pivotal role that pharmacies play within this ecosystem.

During the session, Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil presented the first draft of the federal budget for 2026, revealing a total allocation of EUR520.5 billion, which marks an increase of EUR18 billion compared to the previous year. The overall budget, which includes funds for infrastructure and defense, will provide the government with approximately EUR630 billion to work with.

Of this budget, EUR20.1 billion is earmarked for the Federal Ministry of Health, representing an increase of EUR800 million from the 2025 budget. A significant portion of this allocation will contribute to the health fund, which has been consistently funded at EUR14.5 billion annually since a legal framework was established in 2017. This fund is designed to cover societal healthcare costs that are not directly related to insurance contributions, such as free family insurance and maternity benefits.

Moreover, the budget for 2026 includes an investment of EUR2.3 billion in the health fund through long-term loans, maintaining the same level of funding as the previous year. Consequently, the Federal Ministry of Health will invest a total of EUR16.8 billion into statutory health insurance.

The government is also looking to bolster spending on nursing care, with an increase to approximately EUR1.58 billion compared to just EUR581 million allocated in 2025. This includes a planned long-term loan of EUR1.5 billion to the social care insurance equalization fund, a substantial rise from the EUR500 million provided in the previous year.

In line with the coalition agreement, the government aims to reduce Germany's reliance on imported pharmaceuticals. To incentivize the establishment and retention of drug manufacturing facilities within the country, the government has allocated approximately EUR16.7 million for this purpose, mirroring the funding level from 2025.

As the government moves forward with these budgetary provisions, the Minister of Health's remarks highlight the essential role that pharmacies will continue to play in the healthcare landscape, particularly as reforms are initiated to improve efficiency and accessibility in the sector.