Medical Association Proposes New Regulations for Rural In-Office Pharmacies

The Austrian Medical Association is advocating for updated regulations concerning the operation of in-office pharmacies by general practitioners, particularly in rural areas. The association suggests that current legal requirements hinder the establishment and maintenance of these pharmacies, which play a crucial role in attracting physicians to underserved regions.

According to the Medical Association's department for in-office pharmacies and pharmaceutical affairs, the existing regulations outlined in the Pharmacy Act limit doctors' ability to dispense medications directly. The law currently stipulates that a doctor's in-office pharmacy cannot be located within four kilometers of a public pharmacy, and between four and six kilometers, it is only permissible in successor practices. This rule has contributed to a declining number of in-office pharmacies, dropping from approximately 1,100 in the late 1990s to 800 today, while the number of public pharmacies has grown to roughly 1,450. As a result, some communities now face a situation where they have public pharmacies but are unable to fill vacant general practitioner posts.

Further challenges include restrictions on primary care centers, which are prohibited from operating in-office pharmacies, and regulations that prevent substitute doctors from dispensing medications from a colleague's in-office pharmacy during temporary coverage. The Medical Association points out that these limitations impact healthcare access in rural regions, where incentives to attract and retain physicians are already limited.

The association is calling on policymakers to facilitate discussions between doctors and pharmacists to reach a consensus on amendments to the Pharmacy Act. Representatives have expressed willingness to engage in dialogue regarding the administration of vaccinations in pharmacies, provided that all legal and hygiene standards are met. They emphasize that any expansion of services in pharmacies should be balanced by revisiting doctors' rights to dispense medications directly to patients.

Recent discussions between the Medical Association and the Austrian Health Insurance Fund have resulted in an agreement to work toward a unified contract covering service catalogues and remuneration for doctors. Three working groups have been established to address these topics, with outcomes expected within the next nine months.

Separately, the Vienna Medical Association has expressed support for staff at the Sigmund Freud Private University (SFU) in their ongoing wage negotiations. Employees are seeking partial compensation for inflation and improved workplace agreements. The university had previously lost accreditation for its medical master's program due to quality concerns but has since addressed the requirements and regained compliance.

The Medical Association maintains that reforms to the regulations governing in-office pharmacies are necessary to ensure fair access to healthcare and to address the staffing challenges faced by rural communities. By promoting open dialogue between stakeholders, the association aims to create a balanced framework that supports both patients' needs and the professional interests of healthcare providers.