The number of pharmacies in Saxony continues to fall. This is made clear by questions from Left Party politician Susanne Schaper in the state parliament. The number fell from 938 in 2021 to 902 last year. So far this year, there are only 887. There have been no new openings to date, but 15 closures.
Left: Access to medicines is a question of justice
"Pharmacies in Saxony are fighting against many adversities: Cost pressure, staff shortages, supply bottlenecks and competition from mail-order pharmacies," said Schaper. Her party wants to stop the death of pharmacies. Access to medicines is a "question of justice".
"Local pharmacies are indispensable because they offer low-threshold pharmaceutical advice. Our ageing population is dependent on this," argued Schaper. Pharmacies are also indispensable in the face of medication shortages and the production of prescriptions.
Conditions for running a pharmacy must improve
In order for more young people to want to run or work in a pharmacy again, the framework conditions must improve, concluded the Left Party. This starts with fees and does not end with the reduction of time-consuming bureaucracy. "Fees must be dynamically adjusted to inflation."
In the opinion of the Left, pharmacists should also be given more leeway when it comes to dispensing medicines. "The federal and state governments must take action to reduce supply bottlenecks and create more training places. The profit interests of the pharmaceutical industry must take a back seat."
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