Over 300 Pharmacies Closed in Germany Since Year-Start
More than 300 pharmacies in Germany have closed since the beginning of 2025, reducing the total number of pharmacies to the lowest level since 1977. The closures are making access to medicines more difficult for citizens.
Berlin – In the first nine months of 2025, 309 pharmacies in Germany have ceased operations, marking a significant decline in the country's pharmaceutical network. The total number of active pharmacies nationwide now stands at 16,732, the lowest figure recorded since 1977. This reduction comes as only 46 new pharmacies opened while 355 closed during the period.
The ABDA, the German Association of Pharmacists' Associations, has voiced serious concerns over the trend. The organization states that each closure makes accessing medication more challenging for the public and deteriorates healthcare accessibility, particularly in rural areas. This situation is attributed to a decade of stagnant remuneration.
ABDA President Thomas Preis criticizes the government for not increasing pharmacy fees for over a decade, despite rising inflation and wage costs. He warns that the government's proposed pharmacy reform could exacerbate the decline and weaken the nationwide pharmacy system to the detriment of citizens.
Preis emphasizes the government's need to implement its coalition agreement on increasing pharmacy fees. ABDA has also presented its own proposals for stabilizing the sector and securing its future. The association hopes these measures will strengthen pharmacies and improve their economic viability.