'ne Dosis Wissen | Der Medizin-Podcast für Menschen im Gesundheitswesen · Apotheken Umschau Pro & gesundheit-hören

Apotheken schließen am 23. März: Was steckt hinter dem Protest?

March 19, 2026·14 min·1 clip

Why are German pharmacies closing for a day of protest on March 23rd, and what's behind their 25-year decline?

The episode opens by noting a 25% decline in German pharmacies over 25 years, down to about 16,600 by end-2025, setting the stage for the protest. Host Dennis Ballwieser introduces the topic of pharmacy closures on March 23rd and welcomes guest Christina Grünberg from Apotheken Umschau's politics desk in Berlin. Grünberg details the protest plans: pharmacies will close except for emergency services, with rallies in Düsseldorf, Munich, Berlin, Hannover, and Fulda. The primary grievance is the stagnant Apothekenfixum, a fixed fee per prescription last adjusted in 2013 by only 25 cents. She explains the fee structure: pharmacists get 8.35 euros per pack under statutory health insurance, minus a 1.77 euro deduction, plus a 3% margin on drug prices. Costs for personnel, energy, and rent have risen with inflation, but fees haven't kept pace, threatening pharmacy viability. The protest also opposes the Apothekenversorgungsweiterentwicklungsgesetz (Apothekenreform), which includes allowing pharmazeutisch-technische Assistentinnen (PTAs) to temporarily represent pharmacists. Pharmacists fear this could enable pharmacy chains and drugstores with pharmacy corners, undermining independent ownership. Grünberg notes the reform has positive aspects, like expanded prevention and vaccination roles, but the fee issue is critical. Health Minister Nina Warken promised to increase the fee to 9.50 euros via regulation, not legislation, but hasn't acted yet, causing frustration. The discussion touches on political tactics, with the fee separated from the reform to avoid opposition from health insurers and others. Grünberg clarifies that the pharmacy profession is largely united on the protest, except in Baden-Württemberg, where the state government refuses to authorize closures due to concerns about two consecutive days of limited service. She concludes by addressing outdated stereotypes of wealthy pharmacists, noting most now face real financial struggles. The episode ends with a call for listener feedback and a preview of future coverage.

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