Finally create transparency!

02.03.2010 17:01

Pro generics claim billions in savings through discount contracts

Regarding the statements made by Fritz Becker, chairman of the German Pharmacists' Association (DAV), in today's BILD newspaper, Peter Schmidt, managing director of the industry association Pro Generika, explains: "Nobody - not even the German Pharmacists' Association - knows how much the statutory health insurance ( GKV) actually saves through discount contracts. Apart from the individual health insurance companies themselves, no one knows the discounts that the generic drug manufacturers have to give them in order to stay in the market. And it remains a well-kept secret as to how much of this money is eaten up again by the considerable transaction costs alone.

The lack of transparency in the discount contract business gives rise to the wildest speculation. Billions are just being thrown around. Figures that arise from fantasy may be enough to create a mood in the press and build pressure on politicians. However, they do not contribute to solving the problems. As part of the reorganization of drug supply agreed in the coalition agreement, politicians have to strike a balance between relieving the burden on health insurance companies on the one hand and maintaining an efficient generics industry on the other. To do this she needs facts, facts, facts. And no numbers plucked out of thin air. So we all need transparency as quickly as possible!”