Hamburg, February 15, 2026 – Germany has witnessed a significant decline in its pharmacy landscape, with one in five pharmacies closing nationwide since 2013. Hamburg, in particular, has experienced a substantial reduction, losing over 14 percent of its pharmacies in the past decade, dropping from 414 to 355 establishments.
Stagnant Remuneration Amidst Rising Costs
The primary reason cited for this alarming trend is the fixed remuneration, known as ‘Fixum’, that pharmacists receive for each dispensed medication package. This amount has remained unchanged since 2013, while operational costs for pharmacies have dramatically increased over the same period. This discrepancy has put immense financial pressure on many pharmacies, leading to their closure.
Bundesgesundheitsministerin Nina Warken (Federal Minister of Health) has repeatedly advocated for an increase in the Fixum. However, a concrete date for this adjustment has yet to be announced.
“Five Minutes to Midnight” for Hamburg’s Pharmacies
Barbara Gröden, Executive Board Member of the Hamburg Pharmacists’ Association, describes the current situation as “five minutes to midnight.” She states, “Many businesses urgently need this increase. If it doesn’t come, it would mean further pharmacy closures.” Gröden views the Ministry of Health’s assurances as mere lip service at this point.
The issue of increasing the Fixum is scheduled for debate in the Bundestag on February 26.
The Situation in Northern Germany
The trend of pharmacy closures is not unique to Hamburg but is observed across Northern Germany. A legislative reform aimed at counteracting this “pharmacy demise” has been proposed but has also met with criticism. The ongoing closures highlight a broader challenge within the healthcare sector, particularly concerning the accessibility of pharmaceutical services for the public.
Local Context and Broader Implications
The decline in pharmacies has significant implications for local communities, potentially reducing access to essential medications and professional pharmaceutical advice. Pharmacies serve as vital points of contact for many citizens, offering not only dispensing services but also health consultations and emergency care. The continued closure of these establishments could strain other healthcare services and create inconvenience for residents, particularly the elderly and those with limited mobility.
The debate in the Bundestag on February 26 is therefore eagerly awaited by pharmacists and healthcare stakeholders alike, as it could determine the future viability of many pharmacies across Germany, including those in Hamburg.
This issue was also featured in the NDR Fernsehen’s “Hamburg Journal” on February 14, 2026, at 7:30 PM, underscoring the local significance and public concern surrounding the matter.
Source: https://www.ndr.de/nachrichten/hamburg/apothekensterben-in-hamburg-hoffen-auf-hoeheres-fixum,kurzehh-2438.html
