Pharmacist in Düsseldorf let down by Minister Warken
In a significant address at the annual meeting of pharmacists' chambers and associations in Düsseldorf on September 16, 2025, Federal Health Minister Nina Warken addressed the ongoing crisis in the German pharmacy sector.
Warken's speech, attended by more than 300 representatives, came amidst concerns about the decline in the number of local pharmacies. According to the ABDA, the number has fallen to its lowest level since 1978 in 2024, with a further drop of 238 pharmacies in the first half of the year, leaving the country with 16,803 pharmacies.
Thomas Preis, president of the Federal Association of German Pharmacists' Associations (ABDA), described Warken's plans as "a mixed bag". Armin Hoffmann, president of the Federal Chamber of Pharmacists, shares this criticism. The pharmacists had hoped for an improvement in remuneration, as agreed by the Union and in the coalition agreement. However, Warken announced that the increase in the fixed fee per pack will not be implemented this year due to the budget situation. The flat rate paid for each pack of prescription medication dispensed was supposed to be increased from 8.62 euros to 9.50 euros.
Instead, Warken plans to reintroduce trade discounts, possible price reductions from suppliers, and a negotiated solution for fees. Warken also wants to increase the on-call duty allowance to strengthen rural pharmacies.
The closure of local pharmacies disproportionately affects areas with high pharmacy density, according to a paper from the European Association of Online Pharmacies. Local pharmacies could upgrade with intelligent delivery services or orders via smartphone to compete with mail-order companies, which are putting pressure on local pharmacies, according to David Matusiewicz, a professor of healthcare management.
Online pharmacies, however, do not see the decline of local pharmacies as a threat to supply. Karl-Josef Laumann, NRW Health Minister, who was also present at the Expopharm trade fair, emphasized that the remuneration of pharmacies needs to be thought about in general.
In the medium term, a solution to prevent drug shortages needs to be found on a policy level. Cost pressure and problems with succession are cited as reasons for the decline in the number of pharmacies. Subscription to the website-Newsletter for Politics in NRW is available for those interested in staying updated on this and other health-related issues.
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