Overview

• Germany’s pharmacy count fell by 238 to 16,803 in the first half of 2025, continuing a yearslong decline that hit its lowest level since 1978 last year, according to Abda.
• Abda reports 240 main and single-location closures versus just 23 openings in the period, with gaps now appearing not only in rural areas but also in parts of major cities.
• Abda president Thomas Preis warns closures will continue without a swift fee increase and a dynamic remuneration model that tracks rising costs.
• The governing coalition of Union and SPD has pledged sector stabilisation including better pay, and Health Minister Nina Warken is expected at the Düsseldorf conference where owners seek specifics.
• Online competitors such as DocMorris and Shop Apotheke intensify pressure, while their association EAEP argues supply remains secure and says there is no need for panic.