German Health Ministry Targets Improved Pharmacy Resilience Amid Infrastructure Risks

The German Federal Ministry of Health (BMG) is intensifying efforts to enhance the resilience of pharmacies across the country, following recent incidents that exposed vulnerabilities in critical healthcare infrastructure. A prolonged power outage in southwestern Berlin recently underscored the challenges faced by pharmacies and other healthcare providers when essential services are disrupted.

During the outage, pharmacies experienced notable difficulties in maintaining standard operations. Many adapted by implementing manual payment methods, utilizing additional refrigeration units, and coordinating with nearby locations to redistribute medicines and manage supply. While these measures temporarily ensured limited service, the event highlighted the urgent need for robust contingency plans to safeguard medicine provision during future emergencies.

The increasing frequency of natural disasters, cyberattacks, and incidents of sabotage--combined with evolving geopolitical risks and societal tensions--has brought renewed focus on the stability of Germany's healthcare supply chain. The BMG has stated its commitment to strengthening the resilience of the entire health sector, including pharmacies, to better withstand a range of threats. This objective forms part of wider government discussions regarding the protection of critical infrastructure.

One of the central legislative efforts currently underway is the development and implementation of the KRITIS-Dachgesetz, a comprehensive law governing critical infrastructure security. This law is designed to comply with newly adopted European Union directives, specifically the NIS-2 Directive and the CER Directive (EU 2022/2557). Germany has already transposed the NIS-2 Directive into national law, which came into effect in December 2025. This directive introduces stricter requirements for cybersecurity, IT security procedures, and mandatory incident reporting for organizations deemed part of critical sectors.

The CER Directive, in contrast, addresses the physical protection of infrastructure. The upcoming KRITIS-Dachgesetz will require operators of critical facilities--including those in the healthcare sector--to conduct comprehensive risk assessments, establish minimum physical protection standards, and develop detailed emergency and alert plans. Operators will also be obligated to report any significant disruptions to authorities. The law defines eleven sectors as critical, with healthcare prominently included. It also sets forth supervisory mechanisms and legal consequences for non-compliance, adopting an all-hazards approach to fortify resilience against a spectrum of threats such as sabotage, cyber incidents, and natural disasters.

For pharmacies, these regulatory changes mean the adoption of new protocols and investments in both technological and physical safeguards. Enhanced training for pharmacy staff, improved emergency response procedures, and greater integration with broader health system preparedness plans are expected outcomes. The aim is to ensure that essential medications remain accessible to patients, even in the event of major disruptions.

The recent Berlin power outage served as a significant test case, showing both the adaptability of local pharmacies and the areas requiring urgent improvement. As Germany moves to align its national regulations with EU standards, the BMG's initiatives signal a proactive approach to ensuring stable and secure pharmaceutical services regardless of future challenges.