Reforming the expensive German health-care system is a key objective for the German government. One of Health Minister Philipp Roesler's proposals is to tackle the relationship between the pharmaceuticals industry and Germany's numerous health insurers. At present, drugs firms can set their own prices for new and potentially crucial, patented medication, which the insurers can either take or leave. The system is unique in Europe, making the German market particularly lucrative for the industry. Roesler now wants to introduce compulsory price negotiations between industry and health insurers.
Reforming the expensive German health-care system is a key objective for the German government. One of Health Minister Philipp Roesler's proposals is to tackle the relationship between the pharmaceuticals industry and Germany's numerous health insurers.
At present, drugs firms can set their own prices for new and potentially crucial, patented medication, which the insurers can either take or leave. The system is unique in Europe, making the German market particularly lucrative for the industry.
Roesler now wants to introduce compulsory price negotiations between industry and health insurers.
An FDP man is not going to do anything that will really hurt business. The fact is that what we're experiencing right now is a top-down disaster. -Paul Krugman
