Germany’s Pharmacy Count Continues to Decline
The number of pharmacies in Germany has been steadily decreasing over the past years, with a significant one-fifth of all locations disappearing from the map since 2008. According to a report by the German newspaper Bild, a total of around 4,500 pharmacy closures have been recorded across the country. Currently, the Bundesvereinigung Deutscher Apothekerverbände (ABDA) estimates that there are approximately 16,908 pharmacies remaining.
The reasons behind the closures include rising costs despite stagnant honorariums. Since 2013, pharmacies have received a fixed rate of 8.35 euros for each prescription medication dispensed. The coalition agreement, however, has set a minimum of 9.50 euros per prescription, with 11 euros in under-served rural areas. “This needs to be implemented quickly. Time is of the essence” demands ABDA President Thomas Preis.