German Pharmacists' Association Initiates Petition for Pharmacy Funding Reform

The Federal Union of German Associations of Pharmacists (ABDA) is preparing to launch a petition aimed at addressing what it describes as the financially strained situation of public pharmacies throughout Germany. The petition, which is expected to become available online in the coming days, will be accessible electronically and is designed to gather broad support from pharmacy professionals, customers, family members, and the general public.

The core objective of the petition is to advocate for an increase in the fixed remuneration paid to pharmacies for prescription processing. Currently, the fixed fee stands at 8.35 euros per prescription, but the ABDA is calling for an immediate increase to 9.50 euros, referencing commitments made within the coalition agreement signed by Germany's governing parties. This adjustment is viewed by ABDA as a necessary measure to strengthen the financial viability of pharmacies and ensure the continued provision of healthcare services at the community level.

The ABDA leadership is encouraging pharmacy staff to actively inform and engage both the public and policymakers regarding the ongoing challenges faced by the sector. Materials supporting this campaign--including posters, handouts, and digital resources--are available for download to facilitate outreach efforts. The campaign, under the slogan 'We are not available for free,' seeks to illustrate the consequences of stagnant remuneration and the broader implications for the healthcare system.

The initiative is being launched in the context of parallel budgetary discussions within Germany's health sector. The so-called 'Health Finance Commission' is reportedly considering various cost-saving measures, heightening concerns among pharmacy representatives regarding future financial pressures. In light of this, the ABDA aims to reinforce its call for the government to honor its coalition agreement and ensure that pharmacies receive adequate compensation for their services.

German Health Minister Nina Warken has publicly acknowledged the issue, expressing support for the proposed fee increase in several recent discussions with pharmacy stakeholders. Nevertheless, the ABDA emphasizes the need for concrete and binding implementation of these commitments, rather than verbal assurances alone.

The petition and associated protest actions are intended to send a clear and unified message to political leaders: that sustained underfunding of pharmacies threatens not only the economic well-being of pharmacy operators but also the reliable supply of medicines and pharmaceutical care throughout the country. The ABDA is calling on all pharmacy teams to leverage available communication channels, including digital media, to raise awareness and mobilize support among the wider population.

In addition to the petition, the ABDA has recently launched a broader political campaign to highlight the stagnation of pharmacy compensation and its potential impact on public health. This campaign, initiated in late January, provides a range of informational materials aimed at both pharmacy professionals and the public, reinforcing the association's message that pharmacies play an indispensable role in the healthcare system and require appropriate financial recognition from policymakers.

As the petition prepares to go live, pharmacies across Germany are expected to participate actively in the campaign, engaging with customers and the community to gather support. The ABDA hopes that these collective efforts will prompt governmental action to secure the economic stability of pharmacies, thereby safeguarding patient access to essential pharmaceutical services nationwide.