Local Pharmacies Face Closure Amid Economic Pressures

The ongoing viability of local pharmacies is under significant threat, as a recent discussion among pharmacy owners and local politicians reveals alarming statistics regarding potential closures. In Oer-Erkenschwick, a town of over 31,000 residents, there are currently seven pharmacies, but this number could dwindle by half in the coming years due to financial pressures.

During a meeting with local officials, including Mayor Carsten Wewers and CDU member Lars Ehm, pharmacy owners Katrin Beier and Niko Perpinias outlined the dire economic landscape facing their businesses. The primary driver of this trend is the stagnation in state-regulated compensation for pharmacies, which has not seen a meaningful increase in two decades. In contrast, labor costs have surged by 75% and operational expenses by 41% over the last ten years.

Jan Harbecke, a representative from the Westphalia-Lippe Pharmacists' Association, highlighted that the only reason many pharmacies remain open is due to the owners' willingness to work excessively long hours without adequate compensation. He warned that if the current trend continues, remaining pharmacies might struggle to meet the needs of their communities, leading to longer wait times for prescriptions and limited services, especially during nights and emergencies.

Pharmacist Niko Perpinias pointed out the additional burden of administrative bureaucracy and competition from online pharmacies, which do not have to provide the same level of community service. Local pharmacies are required to offer essential services such as emergency care and the production of customized medications, often with very little financial support for these additional responsibilities.

The meeting concluded with a call for policy changes that would provide fair compensation for the essential services provided by local pharmacies, ensuring that they can continue to serve their communities effectively. The pharmacy owners emphasized that without immediate action, the survival of local pharmacies is at risk, threatening access to critical healthcare services for residents.