Pharmaland Southwest

Synopsis

Southwest Germany is experiencing an unprecedented pharmaceutical boom. The industry giants Eli Lilly, Merck, Teva and others are investing billions. Politicians celebrate Germany's return to the top of the global pharma world. Yet at the same time, basic healthcare is crumbling: pharmacies, medical practices and clinics are on red alert. Antibiotics, painkillers, even children's fever syrup are in short supply.

According to Germany's Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM), up to 480 medications are affected by delivery shortages. New production facilities and research centres focus on expensive specialist drugs, while everyday medicines are increasingly imported from Asia.

This SWR documentary examines the pharmaceutical paradox in southwest Germany, where billions flow into high-tech medicine while a critical shortage of essential generic drugs persists. Can Germany sustain both innovation and a stable supply of basic medicines in the long run?

Watch the Film

▶ Watch on ARD Mediathek (German)

Broadcast Dates

Filmstills

Credits