Schwerin Parliament Proposes Tuition-Free Education for Pharmacy Technicians

The parliament in Schwerin is set to consider a significant policy change aimed at expanding tuition-free education within the healthcare sector. According to recent government plans, annual funding for tuition exemption is expected to rise to EUR3.2 million. This budget increase, pending approval as part of the upcoming two-year financial plan, would broaden the list of eligible healthcare training programs to include Pharmaceutical Technical Assistants (PTA).

Currently, eight healthcare professions in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania benefit from tuition-free education, encompassing fields such as nursing, elderly care assistance, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, massage therapy, medical baths, dietary assistance, and podiatry. Traditionally, students pursuing these vocations have paid an average monthly school fee of approximately EUR180. Since 2024, these fees have been waived, significantly easing the financial burden on trainees and encouraging more applicants to enter essential healthcare fields.

The proposed extension to include PTAs comes in response to ongoing workforce shortages, which have made it challenging to fill classes at the region's two specialized PTA vocational schools. Professional associations and local stakeholders have advocated for this step, emphasizing the urgent need for trained pharmacy technicians to support pharmaceutical services across the state.

Despite favorable job prospects for PTAs in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, the number of community pharmacies has continued to decline, following a national trend. Data indicates that while there were 399 pharmacies in the region in 2020, this number had dropped to 369 by early 2025. The shortage of young professionals and challenges in successful business succession have contributed to this downward trajectory.

To further address personnel gaps and ensure the long-term stability of healthcare provision, the state government is also considering the introduction of a quota system for pharmacy students. This initiative would allocate a predetermined number of university places to candidates who agree to commit to practicing in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania after graduation, similar to the existing country doctor quota system. The aim is to secure the regional supply of pharmaceutical professionals and improve access to healthcare for local communities.

Already, more than 1,200 trainees have benefited from the existing tuition-free arrangements in the state. The planned inclusion of PTA training programs is expected to strengthen the pharmacy sector by making education more accessible and supporting the recruitment of new talent. Policymakers argue that this investment in healthcare education will help safeguard the future of pharmaceutical services in the region and contribute to the overall stability of the healthcare system.

The proposal awaits final approval by the Schwerin parliament as part of the broader state budget, with supporters expressing optimism that the measure will be implemented promptly to address both current and future workforce needs in the healthcare sector.