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Pharmaceuticals and Pharmacies
The production, marketing, price and application of pharmaceuticals are subject to special statutory regulations in Austria which are based on motives concerning health policy and consumer protection.
The EU regards pharmaceutical laws as a matter for the Common Market and has therefore issued far-reaching European directives which are intended to bring about a uniform European pharmaceuticals market and the advantages such uniformity can entail. Austria has adapted its regulations to these EU directives.
Prescription-only products
Pharmaceuticals with potentially dangerous effects are available only by prescription. The EU directive in question does, however, grant the national legislator wide leeway. In comparison with neighbouring EU states, the prescription rules in Austria are strict. As a justification for the prevailing Austrian system, however, it can be said that even seemingly harmless “everyday pharmaceuticals” contain substances which are not simply harmless consumer products and could lead to a masking of the clinical picture, uncontrolled use and long - term damage. That is why the strict prescription obligation can also be regarded as awareness - enhancing measure against the abuse of pharmaceuticals.
Prescription charges
About one third of all pharmaceuticals registered in Austria can be freely prescribed by doctors. The patient receives the prescribed medicament at the pharmacy upon presentation of the prescription and payment of a deductible in the amount of EUR 4, 70 (2007). For social reasons, exemptions from this prescription fee are possible. The deductible is paid by the pharmacy to the social security institutions. In return, the pharmacy is paid the listed “fund price” of the pharmaceutical by social security after the presentation of the prescription slip. The social security institutions are entitled to a statutory discount from the fund price averaging 7.5 percent – depending on the turnover of the pharmacist in question. For pharmaceuticals which are particularly expensive products or whose use requires a special individual review, it necessary to obtain an additional “approval by the medical superintendent”. This means that the social insurer will only cover the costs of this pharmaceuticals when, in addition to a doctor’s prescription, its use has been approved by the medical superintendent who is appointed by the social insurer as the controlling authority.
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