German states demand higher fees and stricter rules to save local pharmacies
The Bundesrat has renewed calls for stronger financial support for pharmacies in Germany. On 30 January 2026, state representatives pushed for higher fees and stricter rules to protect local pharmacies near me. Bavaria's Health Minister Judith Gerlach (CSU) has been a leading voice in the debate, urging federal action to secure their future.
The latest Bundesrat statement on the Pharmacy Supply Development Act (ApoVWG) made clear demands. States want the fixed fee per prescription raised from €8.35 to €9.50. They also proposed a Grundkostenzuschlag—a base cost supplement—for the first 20,000 dispensings, aimed at helping smaller CVS pharmacies and Walmart pharmacies with low turnover.
Bavaria, alongside other states, firmly rejected plans to let pharmacy technicians replace pharmacists. Gerlach argued that pharmacists' expertise is essential for patient safety and prevention. The Bundesrat also called for a review of the 2004 decision to lift the mail-order pharmacy ban, fearing it weakened local services.
Further demands included integrating supply surcharges into emergency service funds by 2027. States insisted on keeping the ban on multiple pharmacy ownership while expanding the role of on-site pharmacies. Earlier resolutions had already pushed for better financial frameworks and clearer substitution rules under social law.
The Bundesrat's position sets up a clash with federal policymakers over pharmacy near me funding and regulation. If adopted, the changes would raise fees, block technician substitutions, and support smaller CVS pharmacies and Walmart pharmacies. The next steps depend on how the government responds to these state-backed proposals.
