Pharmacy Protest: On-Call Service Instead of Regular Operation on Monday - German pharmacists stage mass protest over stagnant pay and rising costs

Pharmacists across Germany are preparing for a major protest on Monday over long-standing pay disputes. Many pharmacies in Brandenburg will close as owners demand higher compensation to cover soaring costs. The last adjustment to their fees took place 13 years ago, leaving the sector under growing financial strain.

The number of pharmacies in Germany has fallen sharply over the past decade. In 2013, there were around 20,800 nationwide, but by the end of 2025, projections show only 16,601 remaining. Brandenburg alone has lost 54 pharmacies since 2013, dropping from 580 to 526.

Pharmacists argue that their fixed dispensing fee of €8.35 per package no longer reflects reality. Since 2013, personnel and material expenses have surged by about 65 percent, while their remuneration has stayed flat. The coalition government has proposed raising the fee to €9.50, but no timeline for this change has been set. Despite the protest, all emergency pharmacies will stay open to ensure essential services remain available. The action highlights the growing frustration among pharmacy owners, who say their income has failed to keep up with inflation and rising operational costs.

The protest comes as the sector faces a steady decline in numbers, driven by financial pressures. With no immediate solution in sight, pharmacists warn that more closures could follow if compensation does not increase. The government's proposed fee adjustment remains pending, leaving many unsure about the future of local pharmacies.