German pharmacists strike nationwide on March 23 over fee disputes

Pharmacists across Germany will stage a nationwide protest on March 23. The action includes closing pharmacy doors and holding public demonstrations in several major cities. Organisers are urging colleagues to join in large numbers to make their demands heard.

The North Rhine Pharmacists' Association (AVNR) has led the call for protests. It has rejected proposals for 'pharmacies without a lab' or 'without a pharmacist', arguing these would undermine professional standards. A key demand is raising the fixed dispensing fee to €9.50.

Demonstrations will take place in Berlin, Munich, Hanover, and Düsseldorf. In Düsseldorf, participants will gather from 11 a.m. at Burgplatz, with the main assembly starting at 12 p.m. The event is expected to last until around 1 p.m. The AVNR has encouraged pharmacists to attend in white lab coats, bringing their entire teams. Organisers have also expressed confidence that authorities will respect their right to protest without obstruction.

The protest will see pharmacies close for the day as staff join rallies. The AVNR's demands focus on fairer fees and maintaining professional pharmacy services. The outcome of the demonstrations could influence future policy discussions on pharmacy funding and operations.