Recognition of the profession of specialised hospital pharmacist

11.1.2018

Question for written answer P-000164-18
to the Commission
Rule 130
Herbert Dorfmann (PPE)

Switzerland offers pharmacy graduates training to become specialised hospital pharmacists; such specialist training is also provided in Italy, Austria and Germany. Regrettably, Switzerland’s specialist training in hospital pharmacy is not recognised in Italy, meaning that the profession of specialised pharmacist cannot be exercised there, on the ground that the specialist training concerned and the related professional qualification are not covered by the Professional Qualifications Directive. At the same time, however, Italy insists on specialist hospital pharmacy training as a prerequisite for working as a specialised pharmacist in a hospital.

Is the Italian authorities’ refusal to recognise this specialist training compatible with freedom of movement for workers and freedom of establishment in the EU?

What does the Commission intend doing to make it possible for the qualification as a specialised hospital pharmacist to be quickly recognised?