In Germany, over 120 pharmacies have closed within the first three months of this year due to a severe shortage of medications, Euronews reports.
This alarming trend, previously discussed in the German Pharmaceutical Association (ABDA), has escalated significantly in 2023.
The country is currently experiencing the lowest number of operating pharmacies since the 1980s, according to Christian Splitt, a representative of ABDA. By the end of 2022, the total number of medicine sales points had decreased by 2,800 compared to a decade ago.
This shortage of pharmacies is particularly concerning for many Germans, especially those in rural areas who often rely on pharmacists for initial medical assistance before consulting a doctor.
The closure of pharmacies can be attributed to several factors. Young pharmacists see limited economic prospects due to a lack of government investment in industry development. Additionally, owners face burdensome bureaucratic barriers and procedures, mainly when dealing with insurance companies, discouraging young professionals from entering the field.
As a result, retiring pharmacy owners struggle to find successors, leading to further closures.
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