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Germany Launches Pharma and MedTech Strategy Talks to Tackle Drug Shortages

The Health Ministry will steer a cross‑ministerial process to craft measures that improve supply security for patients.

Overview

  • The Chancellery, led by Chief of Staff Thorsten Frei, convened companies, trade groups, and several ministries to open the talks.
  • Officials said the kickoff will fold the existing Pharma Strategy and Pharma Dialogue into one process under the Health Ministry.
  • The government aims to design steps to strengthen market conditions and secure supplies after repeated shortages and reliance on production in China and India.
  • Industry blames cost pressure and price regulation for pullbacks such as penicillin, while statutory insurers warn that better availability carries costs and call for concrete, fair proposals.
  • The BDI welcomed the holistic approach, citing analysis that new technologies could save up to €50 billion annually as insurers note a six percent spending rise in the first half.