Strategies to Combat the Shortage of Skilled Professionals in Pharmacies

The ongoing scarcity of skilled professionals in pharmacies poses significant challenges to the quality of healthcare services. In the context of the upcoming 2025 Bundestag elections, various political parties have outlined their strategies to address this pressing issue.

CDU/CSU emphasizes the detrimental impact of the skilled labor shortage on local pharmacy services. They propose enhancing training and continuing education opportunities, expanding workplace health management, and developing attractive part-time and flexible work models. Additionally, they advocate for a restructuring of cost frameworks in pharmacies to ensure competitive compensation for pharmacists in the battle for talent.

SPD believes that the solution to the skilled labor shortage cannot solely rely on pharmacists. They suggest that introducing new responsibilities could enhance the appeal of the profession, particularly for pharmacy technicians (PTA). The party calls for nationwide fee waivers and the establishment of attractive minimum salaries for training programs. They also propose simplifying pathways for pharmaceutical professionals from third countries, advocating for mutual recognition of qualifications similar to that for pharmacists, and promoting European educational support. Furthermore, they suggest that foreign professionals should be allowed to work in their fields during the recognition process.

The Greens share a similar perspective, aspiring to create a more appealing working environment for both pharmacists and PTAs through increased responsibilities, family-friendly working conditions, and expanded preventive services. They also advocate for a more efficient deployment of human resources, which would involve redistributing tasks and reducing bureaucratic hurdles. The integration of digital tools is highlighted as a means to streamline routine and documentation tasks.

These proposals reflect a collective recognition among political parties of the urgent need to tackle the skilled labor shortage in pharmacies, ensuring that local pharmaceutical services can continue to meet the demands of the population effectively.