Pharmacy death in Germany: only 17,288 locations available

Agency of pharmacies: A worrying development for health care

Berlin (ots)

In the first half of 2024, a significant decline in pharmacies in Germany was recorded. The number has dropped by 283 to 17.288 , which corresponds to a decline of 1.6 percent . This development not only affects the pharmacies itself, but also on medical care among the population, especially in rural areas and large cities such as Berlin.

falling pharmacy density and its consequences

The pharmacy density in Germany is now only 21 pharmacies Pro 100,000 residents, which is significantly below the EU average of 32 . This numerical acceptance is a serious problem, since fewer pharmacies can mean less access to important drugs and services. The situation in urban centers is particularly critical: in Berlin the pharmacy density is only 19 , which further endangers the care of the city dwellers.

older population and increasing need for pharmacists

The relevance of this development becomes particularly obvious when you look at demographic change in Germany. The population ages, and thus the need for pharmaceutical expertise grows. According to Thomas Benkert , President of the Federal Chamber of Pharmacists (BAK), the increasing number of older people urgently requires support from pharmacies. The planned reforms of the federal government, which are considered harmful by many pharmacists, now endanger not only the existence of pharmacies, but also patient safety.

financial challenges for pharmacists

Another crucial aspect are the financial difficulties that many pharmacies are facing. The inflation has increased almost 30 percent since 2013, while the pharmacy fee was only increased by 3 percent . This means that adequate remuneration for the prospective pharmacists and the existing pharmacists are no longer guaranteed. Dr. Hans-Peter Hubmann, chairman of the German Pharmacist Association (DAV), emphasizes that only 24 new pharmacies were founded in the first six months of this year-a worrying trend for the industry.

political measures and their challenges

The criticism of the political measures is expressed loudly. Gabriele Regina Overwiening , President of the ABDA, warns of the consequences of falling pharmacy. She fears that the planned reforms of the Federal Minister of Health Karl Lauterbach could lead to the existing pharmacies further weakened. The pharmacist associations therefore call for a review of current health policy to ensure the quality of the pharmaceutical supply and the existence of pharmacies.

conclusion: a wake -up call for health care

The falling number of pharmacies in Germany is not only a statistical number, but a clear indication of the problem that endangers health care in the country. The challenges that the industry is facing must be taken seriously to ensure that the population will continue to have access to high -quality pharmaceutical care in the future. An urgent adaptation of the pharmacy fee appears essential to ensure the future of pharmacies and thus also the health care of the citizens.

More information on www.abda.de