Bauernfeind values pharmacies: “AOK Baden-Württemberg trusts in the performance of the experts”

20.03.2020 18:05

The corona pandemic is currently presenting the German public with unfamiliar challenges. Johannes Bauernfeind, CEO of AOK Baden-Württemberg, underlines the special importance of pharmacies in the current situation: “Every pharmacy will be a reliable partner for the population if they stock up with foresight, especially now. We trust the performance of the experts from the pharmacies and we thank them for their commitment. In Baden-Württemberg we want to implement simplifications. In combination with normal stockpiling, pharmacies can react more flexibly to the new circumstances.” The AOK boss continued that every pharmacy keeps at least a week's supply in advance, and they are also supplied with new supplies two to three times a day.

If, in exceptional situations, the weekly requirement of a particular preparation is dispensed in a very short time, this does not mean a supply problem for the affected patients, emphasizes Bauernfeind. In order to save a patient a second trip to the pharmacy even in an unexpected case, the pharmacist is allowed to give them an alternative preparation, said the AOK boss with reference to the corona pandemic. “If the weekly supply is used up without replenishment arriving, clear exchange rules are defined, especially for discount contract medicines.”

The discount agreements are currently making an important contribution to ensuring continued supply to pharmacies and therefore to insured people. Because pharmacies primarily stock discounted medicines. “But no patient should have to go to the pharmacy more often than necessary.” Bauernfeind continued: “Avoiding secondary contacts is important in order to slow down the speed of infection of the pandemic.” With the LAV Baden-Württemberg, the Südwest-AOK has therefore decided on a package of measures agreed that takes this circumstance into account. “With this package we are not invalidating discount agreements. However, we are simplifying the application of existing regulations.”

AOK boss Bauernfeind concluded: “I am sure that, despite the stress of the Corona crisis, the pharmacists will remain a reliable partner for our insured persons and the entire population.”