German Health Ministry Denies Existence of Study on Pharmacy Numbers
The German Federal Ministry of Health (BMG) has formally rejected recent statements suggesting that an official study exists recommending that 1,700 pharmacies would suffice to meet the pharmaceutical needs of the population across Germany. This clarification comes after remarks made during the 'Pharma Trends 2026' event, where the CEO of a major online pharmacy operator indicated that such figures had been referenced in government-commissioned reports.
During the event, the head of a prominent mail-order pharmacy discussed the market share of online pharmacies in the prescription drug segment, noting that despite over two decades of market presence, their share remains below 2 percent. He dismissed concerns that mail-order pharmacies could capture a significant portion of the market, stating that their own growth targets are considerably lower and acknowledging that achieving even a 10 percent share would be a significant challenge.
The executive further stated that, according to his recollection, past assessments by the Ministry had suggested that only 1,700 pharmacies would be needed for comprehensive coverage throughout Germany. However, when pressed for specifics, he was unable to cite any particular studies supporting this claim. Follow-up inquiries by professional publications also failed to yield evidence of such reports.
Responding to these claims, the Federal Ministry of Health issued a statement asserting that it has no knowledge of any such study and has not commissioned research recommending a reduction of pharmacy numbers to 1,700. The Ministry emphasized that it is not aware of any external research making such assertions. In addition, the BMG clearly indicated that it does not pursue a policy aimed at reducing the number of local pharmacies. On the contrary, current policy proposals are designed to maintain a widespread network of pharmacies to ensure nationwide access to pharmaceutical care.
Meanwhile, concerns have been raised by several professional associations representing pharmacists and pharmacy owners. The leadership of the national and regional pharmacy organizations recently addressed these issues in a joint letter to the Federal Minister of Health. They warned that without the economic strengthening of pharmacies, as promised in the current coalition agreement, the ongoing decline in pharmacy numbers could accelerate, potentially undermining the availability of pharmaceutical services in many communities.
Industry observers note that the ongoing debate about the role of mail-order pharmacies and larger retail chains continues to shape the landscape of pharmaceutical provision in Germany. While some industry leaders argue that online services do not pose a significant threat to local pharmacies, others have identified large retail chains as the primary competitors. The Ministry, for its part, continues to stress its commitment to preserving the accessibility and quality of pharmaceutical care for the population, regardless of market changes or technological developments.
As discussions about the future of pharmacy services in Germany continue, the government's stance remains clear: there are no officially sanctioned plans or studies advocating a drastic reduction in the number of pharmacies, and efforts are ongoing to support the sustainability of the existing pharmacy network.