2010-03-23

The Hungarian Chamber of Pharmacies (MGYK) has proposed a strategic alliance with the Fidesz-KDNP, the association of the two Hungarian opposition parties, according to Tamas Horvath, the President of the MGYK. Both political parties and the MGYK have agreed to maintain a common position on a number of problems pertaining to the pharmacy market in Hungary.
The MGYK recently presented 12 proposed legal changes which they would like to introduce, including the limitation of liberalisation measures pertaining to the establishment of a pharmacy. The MGYK also proposed the creation of clearly defined regulations on the activities of the state authorities, along with restrictions on pharmacy chains, in order to protect small, local pharmacies. Miklosz Soltesz from Fidesz-KDNPemphasised that it is of crucial importance for both parties to protect small, family businesses from being taken over by pharmacy chains. He also stated that the opposition is aiming to create the conditions for huge, international pharmaceutical companies to bring their R&D activities and production to Hungary.

2010-07-26

The Hungarian parliament has approved a proposal to end the liberalisation process pertaining to the establishment of a pharmacy. In accordance with the proposal, the opening of new pharmacies in Hungary will be prohibited from the second half of July onwards, with the exception of towns which do not have a pharmacy at the moment. The temporary moratorium will end on 1 January 2011, when new rules on the opening and operation of pharmacies will come into force.
These new rules will include a stipulation that the owner of the pharmacy must be a pharmacist and must own more than 50% of the business.
As a result of the liberal law governing the establishment of pharmacies in Hungary several pharmacies owned by pharmacists became bankrupt as a result of price competition from pharmacy chains. Furthermore, according to Tamas Heintz, a member of parliament, although the number of pharmacies increased from 2007 onwards, most of the new pharmacies opened in cities, whereas a number of small towns remained without a pharmacy.