German Pharmacies Face Record Closures Amid Policy Uncertainty

The number of community pharmacies operating in Germany has reached a historic low, with recent figures highlighting a sustained decline in the sector. According to the latest industry data, 71 pharmacies ceased operations in the third quarter alone, bringing the total number of closures since the beginning of the year to 309. As a result, the national tally has dropped to 16,732 active pharmacies, marking the lowest level since records began in 1977.

This trend is particularly evident in the Westfalen-Lippe region, where a net loss of 22 pharmacies was reported. Within this region, there were 27 closures contrasted by only five new openings, leaving a total of 1,632 pharmacies by the end of September.

Stakeholders attribute the acceleration in closures, in part, to recent announcements concerning pharmacy policy. During the German Pharmacists' Day (Deutscher Apothekertag, DAT) in Düsseldorf, the Federal Minister of Health presented reform proposals for the sector. Notably, the promised increase in the fixed dispensing fee for pharmacies--from EUR8.35 to EUR9.50 per prescription--has been postponed. Instead, the adjustment has been deferred for reconsideration in the new year, creating uncertainty about when, or if, the increase will take effect.

In the aftermath of these policy statements, reports from the regional pharmacists' chamber in Westfalen-Lippe indicated an immediate impact, with a surge in closure notifications. Within two weeks following the DAT event, ten pharmacies in the region filed for closure--a rate typically seen over several months.

Many pharmacy owners had reportedly delayed their decisions in anticipation of policy changes that would improve financial conditions. Following the announcement that the fee increase would not be implemented as planned, several owners expedited their exit from the sector, citing the lack of immediate financial relief as a decisive factor.

Further declines are expected by the end of the year, with projections indicating at least 15 additional pharmacies set to close before year's end. Moreover, notifications for closures in the first quarter of the following year have already been submitted, pointing to a continuing downward trend.

National statistics reinforce this outlook. In the first nine months of the year, a total of 355 pharmacies closed, while only 46 new operations commenced, highlighting the imbalance between exits and entries in the sector. Although the rate of closures appeared to slow slightly in the third quarter, historical patterns suggest that the final quarter often brings an increase in closures.

Industry representatives have expressed concern that the reduction in pharmacy numbers may have direct consequences for public access to medications. As the density of pharmacies decreases, individuals in some regions may face longer travel times and reduced convenience when obtaining prescription drugs.

Organizations representing pharmacists have urged government policymakers to adhere to previous commitments, particularly those outlined in the coalition agreement regarding remuneration. They continue to advocate for sustainable reforms that will address the financial challenges facing community pharmacies and ensure the ongoing provision of essential pharmaceutical services to the population.

The ongoing reduction in pharmacy numbers underscores the urgent need for policy clarity and financial measures that support the sector. Without such interventions, the downward trajectory is likely to continue, raising concerns about the long-term accessibility and resilience of pharmaceutical care across Germany.