As pharmacist in an own community pharmacy in Germany since thirty years I could observe the change in our scenery over some decades, but since the last ten years, e-commerce and politics have accelerated this process definitively.
The pharmacies not only in my home country are regulated and controlled more than all the other members in retail sector by rules of work and laws. They have scarcely any possibilities of creativity or to difference from another.
The structures are unmodified since decades, but from 2004 new laws and orders introduce a total change in health service, especially in the pharmacies. The foundations stagger if we have to agree all terms of politics. Nobody knows today the development of our trade branch and my profession, but fundamental changes and tendencies are apparent.
Last but not least the trade with drugs in internet and the Doc Morris mail order pharmacies make waves in an old trade guild, many fear the end of the pharmaceutical profession. Trade with drugs in internet is momentary still 2%, but the young generation has no fear of falsification and prefers to sell or buy from home, because it is comfortable, anonymous and supposed cheaper.
My studies shall point up the reasons of change made by politics, but also by a new understanding of social structures and business. I will try to analyse the consequences as a result of these mentioned reasons and will take a look in the systems of other countries.
Table of Contents
History of pharmacies
Basic principles in the branch of German pharmacies
1. regulative framework
2. political dimensions
3. health care market
4. sales trend
5. structure of pharmacies
6. job market in pharmacies
7. value Added Tax in the EU
8. discount contracts
Trends and tendencies of change in pharmacies
1.1 mail order business with drugs
1.2 0800 DocMorris.com
1.3 Mycare.de and other domestic pendants
1.4 Differences between traditional and discount pharmacies
1.5 Foresight
Review in other national systems
1.6 Urban clustering and accessibility concerns for rural areas
1.7 Be Aware of false expectations
Objectives and Key Themes
The primary objective of this work is to analyze the significant transformations within the German pharmacy sector, driven by increasing e-commerce, shifting political landscapes, and evolving social structures. It examines how traditional regulatory frameworks are challenged by market liberalization, the emergence of mail-order businesses, and the complex interplay between healthcare policy and competitive economic pressures.
- The impact of health care reforms and political decision-making on pharmacy operations.
- Development of e-commerce and mail-order business models for pharmaceuticals.
- Comparison of pharmacy systems and deregulation effects across different EU nations.
- Challenges regarding price maintenance, market competition, and accessibility in rural areas.
Excerpt from the Book
1. regulative framework
In consideration of the fact, that pharmacies accept a sociopolitical public bid, namely the maintenance of the population with drugs, each individual little business is more controlled and regulated than all the other members of yellow pages by different laws and orders. First you can name the rules of work or the German term Apothekenbetriebsordnung. 2 This collection of ordinance embodies every personal, factual and housekeeping requirement in the daily work of the Pharmacist. You can find here demands in the equipment, schooling and training of members of staff, the store-keeping as well acceptation as dispensing modalities of drugs and since 2004 how to handle the mail order business. I will list some essential aspects from the rules of work you must know for comprehension and understanding of the branch and of each business.
A pharmacy is obligated to be open over 24 hours to guarantee the pharmaceutical supply of population. Exception is possible, if another pharmacy within a defined district holds up the readiness to help. There are other exceptions for Sundays and bank holidays.
Because of ensuring the permanent opening, pharmacies are committed to have a night service. For organize such a service, pharmacies can conclude in regional groups from 2 -20 , depending on whether you live in the country, on an island or large towns. These pharmacies have to draw up a plan, from which for every day in the year everybody is possible to be aware one pharmacy open to the public.
Summary of Chapters
History of pharmacies: This chapter provides an overview of the origins of the pharmacy profession, tracing its development from ancient times through the separation of the apothecary profession from medicine to the establishment of modern pharmacy institutions.
Basic principles in the branch of German pharmacies: This section details the strict regulatory environment governing German pharmacies, including operational obligations, quality standards, and the legal constraints imposed by health legislation.
Trends and tendencies of change in pharmacies: This part explores the disruptive impact of digital business models, such as online pharmacies, and the resulting competitive pressures on traditional brick-and-mortar establishments.
Review in other national systems: This final analytical section compares the German experience of deregulation with other European models, such as Ireland, the Netherlands, and Norway, to assess the broader impact of market liberalization policies.
Keywords
Pharmacy, e-commerce, health care reform, regulation, mail-order business, pharmaceuticals, deregulation, competition, DocMorris, market trends, public health, Apothekenbetriebsordnung, pharmacy chains, service quality, socio-political
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this work?
The work focuses on the fundamental changes within the German pharmacy sector, analyzing the impact of politics, e-commerce, and market liberalization on traditional pharmaceutical practices.
What are the central thematic fields covered?
The central themes include regulatory frameworks, the shift toward pharmacy chains, the role of discount contracts, the growth of online mail-order services, and international comparisons of pharmacy systems.
What is the primary objective of the research?
The goal is to analyze why pharmacies are changing, how political and economic factors (like health insurance reforms) drive these shifts, and what future challenges pharmacists face in a liberalized market.
Which scientific methods or analytical approaches are used?
The author uses a qualitative review of historical and current regulatory data, industry analysis, and comparative case studies of pharmacy systems across various European countries to evaluate market trends.
What topics are discussed in the main part?
The main part covers the historical development, the legal requirements for operating a pharmacy, current sales trends, the emergence of discount models, and the consequences of deregulation.
Which keywords best characterize this research?
Key terms include pharmacy, e-commerce, regulation, market liberalization, health care policy, pharmaceutical supply, and competitive dynamics.
How does the introduction of mail-order pharmacies affect traditional pharmacies in Germany?
Mail-order pharmacies introduce significant price competition and create pressure on traditional pharmacies to evolve their business models, adopt digital strategies, and focus more on personal advisory services.
What conclusion does the author reach regarding the deregulation of pharmacies?
The author concludes that deregulation has not reliably met its primary goals of increasing competition and cost-containment, often leading to negative side effects like urban clustering and market dominance by large entities.
- Quote paper
- Heinrich Struck (Author), 2008, Change of scenery in pharmacies by politics and e-commerce, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/120200
