German pharmacies to shut nationwide in March 2026 over funding crisis

Pharmacy owners and industry associations across Germany are planning a nationwide protest on March 23, 2026. They demand an immediate rise in the dispensing fee—from €8.35 to €9.50 per prescription—and annual adjustments to prevent further closures. The action includes rallies in Berlin, Hanover, Munich and Düsseldorf, with many pharmacies shutting for the day except for emergency services.

The protest targets policymakers, calling for economic support and the rejection of proposed laws that would allow temporary pharmacy operations without a pharmacist present. Owners argue the current fee, unchanged since 2013, no longer covers rising costs. They also oppose parts of the Apothekenversorgung-Weiterentwicklungsgesetz (ApoVWG), which they claim would weaken safety standards.

Pharmacies will close at their managers' discretion, not as a labour strike but as a coordinated campaign. Employees must still be paid for the day, as the closure prevents them from working. While staff cannot be forced to join demonstrations, they may be asked to complete tasks during the shutdown, such as administrative work. Patients needing urgent medication will be directed to on-call pharmacies. The organisers—pharmacy owners and professional associations—stress that the action is about securing fair funding and better working conditions, not a dispute with employees.

The protest will see thousands of pharmacies close, with demonstrations in four major cities. Owners insist the fee increase and policy changes are vital to keep local pharmacies open. Emergency services will remain available, ensuring patients still receive critical care during the shutdown.