The Left Party Proposes a Safety Net Plan for Pharmacies

The Left Party wants to prevent further pharmacy closures in Saxony and breathe new life into the industry. To this end, the Left Party faction in the state parliament is proposing a rescue plan.

“The financial situation of many pharmacies is extremely dire. That is why I hope that this time the coalition will not take so long to review our proposals and, ideally, support them,” emphasized faction leader Susanne Schaper. Everyone must have access to high-quality care—that is a matter of social justice. 

Mobile services and delivery services for rural areas

The safeguard plan combines monitoring with funding instruments, measures to secure a skilled workforce, and the further development of the role pharmacies play in the healthcare system, it was stated. In particular, business takeovers, new start-ups, branch structures, and investments in modern infrastructure are to be supported. 

For rural areas, the Left Party calls for, among other things, targeted efforts to retain skilled workers, mobile services, expanded delivery services, digital consultation structures, and cooperation with municipal health and care facilities. 

Better compensation and less bureaucracy

In addition, new regulatory instruments such as a rural pharmacist quota or binding supply standards should be examined. “When dealing with supply bottlenecks, we want to improve coordination to help pharmacies with the procurement, substitution, and organization of medications,” the statement continues.

The Saxon government should demand modern reimbursement from the federal government and utilize leeway under state law to eliminate unnecessary bureaucracy—particularly regarding documentation requirements, billing, and administrative processes. The Left Party is also proposing a roundtable discussion.