The everyday experience of visiting a pharmacy in Germany could soon look very different. Health Minister Nina Warken (CDU) has presented a comprehensive reform package aimed at modernizing pharmacies, expanding their responsibilities, and making access to medicine easier for patients — especially in rural areas.
The reform, confirmed by the Federal Ministry of Health (BMG) and first detailed in a draft bill, introduces several major changes that could redefine how Germans receive prescriptions, vaccinations, and preventive care.
Certain prescription drugs could be available without a doctor’s note
Under the proposed law, pharmacists would be allowed — under strict conditions — to dispense prescription-only medicines without a prior doctor’s visit.
The exemption would apply in two specific cases:
Long-term treatments: If the medication is part of an ongoing therapy already documented in the patient’s electronic health record for at least one year, pharmacists could issue the smallest available package once in an emergency.
Minor acute illnesses: In uncomplicated cases such as mild urinary tract infections, a pharmacist could provide treatment directly.
The goal, according to Warken’s ministry, is to reduce unnecessary doctor visits, particularly for chronic patients who are already under medical supervision.
More vaccinations and diagnostic tests in pharmacies
The reform also aims to expand pharmacies’ public health role. Beyond flu and COVID-19 vaccinations, pharmacists will be authorized to administer additional vaccines, including tetanus and tick-borne encephalitis (FSME).
Preventive health screenings will also be offered directly in pharmacies — such as tests for cardiovascular risks, diabetes, and smoking-related issues. Rapid tests for certain infections, including norovirus and influenza, are to be made available as part of early-detection programs.
Flexible opening hours and better pay for rural services
One of the most visible changes will concern opening hours. Pharmacies will be allowed to determine their schedules more flexibly, adapting to local demand — a crucial step for under-served rural communities.
To make extended and emergency shifts more attractive, pharmacists will receive higher compensation for night and emergency services, including partial late-night operations (for example, until 10 p.m.).
Shorter waiting times for medicines
Currently, pharmacies are required to dispense specific discounted drugs even when they are not in stock, leading to long waiting times.
Under the new plan, if the designated discounted medication is unavailable both in-store and at wholesalers, pharmacists will be able to supply an equivalent alternative immediately from their own inventory.
For patients, this means one clear benefit: faster access to essential medication.
Strengthening pharmacies as a cornerstone of healthcare
According to the Health Ministry, the reform recognizes the vital role pharmacies played during the pandemic — not only in distributing medicines but also in testing and vaccination campaigns.
“Pharmacists have shown that they can deliver high-quality services in many areas, providing significant benefits to patients,” the draft states.
“The goal is to improve their economic stability and ensure a nationwide pharmacy network for reliable local care.”
Warken had outlined her reform roadmap back in September during the German Pharmacy Congress, and the current draft provides the first detailed look at how these plans could be implemented.
The law is still in its early legislative stage, and further revisions are expected before it reaches the Bundestag.
A step toward more accessible healthcare
Supporters describe the reform as a “modernization of everyday care”, designed to make pharmacies more responsive and relieve pressure on general practitioners.
Critics from the medical community, including the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians (KBV), have warned that allowing pharmacies to dispense prescription drugs independently could compromise patient safety if not carefully regulated.
For now, the debate underscores a broader shift in German healthcare: empowering local pharmacies to handle more — and helping citizens spend less time in waiting rooms.
