Answering questions from MPs: Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) / Photo Alliance, Michael Kappeler
Berlin – According to Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD), the recent numerous investments by the pharmaceutical industry in Germany are the result of government action. Today he spoke of a “successful supply policy”.
Companies would be aware of the draft laws and would make “their investment decisions” based on them, the Chancellor said during a government inquiry in the Bundestag. Among other things, she referred to the government’s pharmaceutical strategy, which is of “great importance” in companies’ considerations for their investment strategies.
He also cited as examples the Health Data Usage Act and the digitalization of the healthcare system, which have created the conditions for a better research landscape. The Medical Research Act, which will finally be passed in the Bundestag tomorrow, also belongs to this series. This includes, among other things, confidentiality of reimbursement prices..
Scholz went on to say that he was firmly determined to remove all bureaucratic obstacles that have plagued Germany as a location for pharmaceutical research. “This is underway and is being taken very seriously,” the chancellor said.
All this leads to “billion-dollar investments” by the pharmaceutical industry in Germany. These also come from companies in other countries, some of which have recently set up shop in Germany and set up large production facilities. In recent months, Eli Lilly and Abbvie, among others, have started investing in Germany.
Scholz predicted that there would be “many additional jobs, in all categories.” This ranges from simple jobs for skilled and unskilled workers to research facilities with highly qualified specialists with international experience.
“This mix does that, to be frank. Not to mention the businesses that benefit when such places are built and constructed,” the Chancellor said.
Sanofi’s recently announced investment is another example of Germany continuing to expand “its reputation as a world pharmacy,” as a “substantial research and production location” in the pharmaceutical industry and as a special medical and research location. © may/aerzteblatt.de