Policy Brief | Issue 1 | 10 December 2018


In the first issue of its Policy Brief, the Monopolies Commission explains its proposals for a reform of the remuneration system for prescription medicines and opposes a ban on mail-order sales:

  • Price fixing for prescription medicines does not adequately take into account the regionally differing conditions for pharmacy supply.
  • Pharmacies should be allowed to grant discounts on regulated prices up to the amount of the co-payment of legally insured persons. Targeted additional measures can, if necessary, secure local supply.
  • The mail order business for prescription medicines contributes to the security of supply and should be retained.

The Policy Brief format will supplement the Monopolies Commission’s Main and Special Reports in the future. The aim is to present analyses and recommendations of the Commission in a compact form in the light of current events, e.g. upcoming legislative procedures. The Policy Brief is primarily addressed to political decision-makers, but is also intended to inform science, associations, companies and the interested public briefly about the Commission's positions.


Download Policy Brief (in German language only)