In an exclusive interview with HBW Insight, the German Medicines Manufacturers´ Association’s (BAH’s) new director general Dr Hubertus Cranz warns of a potentially costly bottleneck forming as German manufacturers scramble to re-certify their self-care medical devices before the May 2020 European Union's new Medical Device Regulations deadline. Dr Cranz also explains how BAH is supporting the country's community pharmacists to help German consumers to self-care safely and responsibly. 

As France decides to de-reimburse homeopathic medicines, discussions about whether this should be applied to Germany are being re-opened by politicians and high-profile representatives from the country's statutory health insurance system. Industry has responded by saying "no" to de-reimbursement, as the German system allows consumers to choose between insurers based on their views of homeopathy. 

In this first installment of an exclusive three-part series, global switch expert Dr Natalie Gauld speaks to HBW Insight about what makes a country an attractive environment for switching and highlights those markets leading the way today.