Pharmacies Employ 162,000 People in Germany

Germany's pharmacy sector continues to play a significant role in the nation's healthcare system, employing approximately 162,000 individuals. This vibrant industry, as detailed in the newly released yearbook titled Die Apotheke: Zahlen, Daten, Fakten 2025 by the ABDA (the Federal Union of German Associations of Pharmacists), presents an in-depth overview of the latest trends and statistics pertinent to pharmacies across Germany.

Despite the substantial workforce, the yearbook highlights a troubling decline in the number of pharmacies operating within the country. In the year 2000, Germany had 21,592 pharmacies, but by 2024, this number had dwindled to 17,041. The trend of decreasing pharmacy openings is also alarming, with only 48 new pharmacies established in 2024, a sharp drop from 326 openings in 2005. As of the end of 2024, there were approximately 12,530 pharmacy owners across Germany.

The reduction in the total number of pharmacies has implications for patient access to pharmaceutical services. Since 2018, closures have forced over 2 million individuals to travel further to reach their nearest pharmacy. Currently, there are 20 pharmacies for every 100,000 residents in Germany, which is below the European Union average of 31 pharmacies per 100,000 residents.

Financially, pharmacies generated a total revenue of 70.4 billion euros in the previous year, with 64.9 billion euros attributed to the sale of medications. A staggering 84.5% of this revenue came from prescription medications, while 7.3% originated from pharmacy-only products, and only 0.4% from over-the-counter drugs. In 2024, pharmacies dispensed 1.4 billion medication packages, indicating a robust demand for pharmaceutical care.

However, the economic landscape for pharmacies is becoming increasingly challenging. The yearbook reports that 6.5% of pharmacies experienced operating losses in 2024, and an additional 19.3% faced precarious financial results deemed unsustainable by the ABDA.

Of the pharmacies in operation, 3,257 hold a license for mail-order business, although only around 150 actively engage in this service. In 2024, mail-order sales accounted for 22.7% of the non-prescription drug market.

Despite the challenges, the pharmacy sector remains a crucial component of Germany's healthcare framework, providing essential services to the public while navigating a shifting economic environment.