Berlin Pharmacies to Close Monday in Protest - German pharmacies stage mass closures in protest over funding crisis
Most pharmacies across Germany, including many in Berlin, will shut their doors on Monday, March 23, 2026. The closure is part of a nationwide protest led by the German Pharmacists' Association (ABDA) and the Berlin Pharmacists' Association. Residents have been advised to collect their prescriptions early to avoid disruption.
The protest comes as pharmacies face worsening financial pressures. A key issue is the fixed fee for dispensing prescription drugs, which has remained unchanged for 13 years. During this time, wages and operating costs have steadily risen, squeezing profits.
Berlin has already lost around 20% of its pharmacies over the past 13 years. Anke Rüdinger, chair of the Berlin Pharmacists' Association, has warned that further closures could threaten reliable access to medications for the public. While the majority of pharmacies will close, emergency services will still be available. Patients needing urgent medications can visit designated emergency pharmacies on Monday. Authorities have urged residents to plan ahead and pick up essential prescriptions before the weekend ends.
The strike highlights the financial strain on local pharmacies and the risk of more closures. With no increase in dispensing fees for over a decade, the industry is pushing for change. Emergency services will remain open, but many Berliners will need to prepare in advance for the disruption.
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