Pharmacy Reform Approval
The Bundestag approved a draft law granting German pharmacies "more autonomy and flexibility" in dispensing medications and administering tests. The new law intends to allow pharmacies to issue certain prescription medications independently, particularly for continuing longstanding prescriptions. Pharmacies will also be able to administer tetanus and tick-borne FSME virus vaccinations.
Scope of New Powers
The law will apply to treatments for "uncomplicated forms of certain acute illnesses." The Health Ministry will define the specific cases, excluding antibiotics with systemic effects and medications with "high potential for abuse or addiction, like opioid-based medications, hypnotic drugs, sedatives, stimulants and anxyiolytics." Pharmacies can also conduct standard blood draws from veins on patients over 18, provided the staff has completed a course.
Pharmacy Numbers Declining
The number of pharmacies in Germany has fallen to a nearly 50-year low of 16,541 as of the end of March. A German physicians' association, the KBV, cautioned against over-expansion of pharmacy power, saying that medications were "not candies."
Bavaria Film Split
Bavaria Film, one of Germany's oldest film companies, will split into a production company and a property company. Managing director Christian Franckenstein told the Süddeutsche Zeitung newspaper that the entity based in Grünwald will divide into "one part will encompass the entire production side, the other part all the real estate and operational studio activities." The company generated turnover of around €308 million last year, with a net profit of €8 million.
Podolski Retires
Cologne soccer legend Lukas Podolski is retiring after more than 20 years. Podolski and his club Gornik Zabrze shared the news, a day after his purchase of the club was announced. Podolski's club wrote, "World Champion Lukas Podolski will end career full of trophies this weekend. He became owner of his childhood club — Gornik Zabrze."
Business Climate Improves
The Ifo business climate index rose to 84.9 points in May, from 84.5 in April. In February, before attacks on Iran, the index stood at 88.6 points. The government anticipates economic growth in the second quarter halving to 0.3%.
Bee Swarm Disrupts Traffic
A swarm of bees landed on a red VW Beetle in Düsseldorf's rush hour. The incident led to traffic disruptions on the corner of Benrather Strasse and Kasernenstrasse. A beekeeper assisted emergency services.
The Environment Ministry reports that 23,000 people have applied for new subsidies for electric car buyers this week.
