Germany's VFA argues that drug spend is moderate

The outgoing German Health Minister ,Ulla Schmidt, has said that health care spending in the country is too high. In response, Cornelia Yzer, general manager of the research-based drug industry trade group, the VFA, said: 'Germany's central health fund has a revenue problem, not an expenditure problem. The estimated deficit for 2010 ' some 7.4 billion euros ($10.8 billion) is due to the economic downturn and the likely rise in unemployment.

Expenditure on drugs has been moderate for years and the price of drugs has been stable or falling, she said, adding that the trouble now is that inflows are plummeting just as Germany's  aging society's need for health care is rising.'

'The VFA is aware of its joint responsibility for the system and wants to work with the new government to maintain patients,' Ms Yzer stated.