Pharmacies in Germany: Why they will remain closed on March 23

People in Germany who need medication rarely think about how fragile the local supply chain has become. This is precisely what pharmacists now want to draw attention to: A nationwide day of protest is planned for Monday, March 23. Many pharmacies are expected to remain closed on this day. According to the Federal Union of German Associations of Pharmacists (ABDA), supplies will continue to be provided by emergency pharmacies.

What exactly will happen on March 23?

The ABDA has decided on a nationwide day of protest on March 23, and the state pharmacists’ associations will call on pharmacies throughout Germany to remain closed. In addition, rallies and demonstrations have been announced in Berlin, Hanover, Munich and Düsseldorf.

What is the pharmacists’ concern?

At its core, this issue concerns the precarious economic situation of pharmacies. The ABDA argues that costs have risen significantly over the past 13 years—by 65%, in fact—while remuneration has not kept pace. As a result, nearly 20% of pharmacies have had to close since 2013, as it is not possible to run them in an economically viable manner under these conditions. Representatives of the industry do not yet see an end to the wave of closures.

Specifically, the ABDA is calling for a political commitment to be implemented: The package-related fee is set by the federal government and, according to ABDA, the coalition agreement provides for an increase in this fee from 8.35 to 9.50 euros. Pharmacists are now demanding this commitment. Without this economic strengthening of pharmacies, the supply situation for many people will become critical with further closures – especially in view of demographic change and the necessary crisis resilience in the supply of medicines.

Is it all about the money?

No – at least not only. The ABDA resolution also warns against plans which, in the view of the pharmacy community, could change the supply of medicines in a way that “endangers the system”. This includes the question of how pharmacies may be staffed in future and what quality and safety standards should apply. The draft of the Pharmacy Supply and Further Development Act (ApoVWG) provides for pharmacies to be temporarily managed without a pharmacist.

The new version of Section 29 of the Pharmacy Act allows a PTA – a pharmaceutical technical assistant – to deputize for the pharmacy manager. However, this is only for the temporary maintenance of operations, limited to up to 20 days per year, with a maximum of 10 consecutive days. It is precisely this softening that the ABDA expressly criticizes and sees no reason to even try it out.

What does this mean for patients – especially older people?

For many people, the most noticeable effect of the day of protest will be that anyone who urgently needs a medicine may have to go to the relevant emergency service pharmacy – and may have to plan for longer journeys. Media reports anticipate a significant reduction in the number of pharmacies open during the emergency service.

If you need medication on March 23:

• Check early on whether you can refill your long-term medication in good time beforehand.
• Plan with emergency service pharmacies for acute needs (possibly longer distances & waiting times).

Regardless of how you view this protest: The conflict highlights the extent to which healthcare is changing – and the extent to which regional accessibility, staffing, funding and crisis resilience are interlinked. For an ageing society, this is not a marginal issue, but urgently needed infrastructure.