Minister Warken Addresses Supply Concerns
German Health Minister Nina Warken (CDU) has provided assurances regarding a stable supply of medicines for the forthcoming autumn and winter season. This statement from the Minister, who assumed her role on May 6, 2025, aims to alleviate public concerns following persistent reports of drug shortages across Germany.
Persistent Shortages Highlight Challenges
The Minister's assurance comes against a backdrop of significant and ongoing challenges in medicine availability. As of September 15, 2025, pharmacists in Germany have warned of severe medicine shortages for the current winter, with more than 500 drugs officially reported as difficult to obtain. Particularly affected categories include:
- Antibiotic syrups for children
- Asthma medication such as salbutamol
- Medicines for ADHD
Underlying Causes and Legislative Responses
A primary reason cited for the persistent shortages is Germany's reliance on production facilities located outside Europe, particularly in China and India. This dependency creates vulnerabilities in the supply chain, as production problems in these regions can immediately impact availability in Germany. To counter these issues, several legislative and strategic measures have been implemented or proposed:
- 2023 Law: In June 2023, the Bundestag passed a law designed to prevent future shortages by reducing cost pressures on pharmaceutical manufacturers. This reform relaxed price regulations for children's medicines and abolished fixed prices and rebate contracts to make sales in Germany more attractive.
- EU Critical Medicines Act: In March 2025, the European Commission proposed the Critical Medicines Act, a legislative initiative aimed at improving the availability, supply, and production of critical medicines within the European Union. This act seeks to reduce reliance on third countries by boosting EU-based manufacturing, revising procurement guidelines, and encouraging joint procurement initiatives.
- Coalition Agreement: The current German government's coalition agreement, under which Minister Warken serves, emphasizes strengthening supply security through measures such as reshoring the production of critical drugs and medical products back to Germany and Europe.
Ministerial Focus and Future Outlook
As the new Federal Minister of Health, Nina Warken is tasked with navigating this complex landscape. She is supported by Parliamentary State Secretaries Dr. Georg Kippels and Tino Sorge, both of whom possess extensive experience in medicine supply and pharmacy policy. The ministry's focus will be on ensuring that the implemented reforms and new strategies effectively translate into a stable and reliable medicine supply for the German population, particularly as the colder months approach. The effectiveness of these measures in mitigating the long-standing problem of medicine shortages will be closely monitored.
5 Comments
BuggaBoom
The legislative changes and EU initiatives are a good start to address long-term issues. However, the immediate impact on families struggling to find children's antibiotics remains a critical and unaddressed concern.
Loubianka
Strong leadership! Prioritizing local production is smart.
Africa
While it's reassuring to hear the Minister's commitment, the article clearly states there are still over 500 drugs in short supply. We need more than just words; actual availability is what matters.
Bermudez
500+ drugs short now? Her 'assurance' is completely out of touch.
Comandante
It's positive that the government is focusing on reshoring production to reduce dependency on other countries. Yet, this process is lengthy, and the current winter season demands more immediate, effective solutions for existing shortages.