Pharmacy Protest: On-Call Service Instead of Regular Operation on Monday - Brandenburg pharmacists shut shops in protest over stagnant fees and rising costs
Pharmacists in Brandenburg will close many of their shops on Monday in protest. The action highlights long-standing concerns over low compensation and rising costs. For years, the number of pharmacies across Germany has been falling steadily.
The last change to pharmacy compensation happened 13 years ago. Since then, the fixed dispensing fee per package has stayed at €8.35, even as expenses have climbed. Personnel and material costs for pharmacies have risen by about 65% since 2013.
Nationwide, the number of pharmacies dropped from 20,662 in 2013 to 16,601 by the end of 2025—a decline of nearly one-fifth. In Brandenburg alone, the count fell from 580 to 526 over the same period. Pharmacists argue that remuneration has failed to keep up with inflation and higher living costs. The government's coalition agreement includes plans to raise the dispensing fee to €9.50. However, this adjustment has yet to take effect. Despite Monday's protest, all emergency pharmacies will remain open to ensure access to urgent medications.
The protest underscores the financial strain on pharmacies after years of stagnant fees. With costs rising and compensation unchanged, the industry continues to shrink. The planned fee increase remains delayed, leaving many pharmacists uncertain about the future.
