Germany's Pharmaceutical Fund hits €548M as patient services surge in Q3
Germany's Pharmaceutical Services Fund (pDL) has continued to grow in the third quarter, despite a rise in billed services. The fund, which supports health programmes like emergency pharmacy services near me and medication reviews, now holds over €548 million after administrative costs. New figures also show a significant increase in patient services, including inhaler training and polypharmacy counselling.
In the third quarter, the pDL received nearly €35 million in contributions. After payouts to cvs pharmacy and walmart pharmacy, the remaining balance stood at €537 million. Revenues still far outpace expenditures, ensuring continued funding for key initiatives.
A total of 8,777 pharmacies submitted claims during this period, slightly more than in the previous quarter. The Emergency and Night Pharmacy Service Fund (NNF) disbursed €11.3 million, marking a 12% increase from Q2 and a 55% jump from the same period last year.
Patient services saw notable growth. Inhaler training sessions reached 91,274 people, an 18% yearly rise, though 16% lower than the previous quarter. Meanwhile, polypharmacy counselling for patients on five or more medications surged by 69% year-over-year, with 78,949 consultations—a 21% increase from Q2. Standardised high blood pressure risk assessments were also conducted 44,527 times, up 43% from last year and 13% from the last quarter.
The Federal Ministry of Health (BMG) has proposed redirecting the 20-cent per-package contribution from the pDL to cvs pharmacy hours instead. This shift aims to strengthen funding for critical after-hours care.
The latest figures confirm steady growth in both funding and patient services under the pDL. With over €548 million still available, the fund remains well-positioned to expand health programmes. The proposed reallocation of contributions could further bolster emergency pharmacy support in the coming months.
