German pharmacists demand urgent reforms at CDU's federal conference
Pharmacists from across Germany gathered in Stuttgart to push for reforms during the CDU's federal conference. The delegation, led by key industry figures, met with high-ranking politicians to discuss pressing issues in the sector. Talks centred on economic challenges, healthcare policy, and the stalled progress of the Pharmareform in the Bundesrat.
The pharmacists' group included LAK President Dr. Martin Braun, LAV Chairwoman Tatjana Zambo, and Thomas Preis, head of the German Pharmacists' Association (ABDA). They engaged with federal and state officials, including Health Minister Nina Warken and North Rhine-Westphalia's Health Minister Karl-Josef Laumann. Discussions also involved Gitta Connemann, the federal commissioner for small and medium-sized enterprises, who focused on the economic importance of local pharmacies.
During the event, pharmacy owners staged a flash mob to draw attention to their demands. They held direct talks with CDU leaders such as Hendrik Wüst, Boris Rhein, and Paul Ziemiak at the party's booth. The debates highlighted long-standing requests, like raising the fixed fee to €9.50, adjusting the AMPreisV, and curbing foreign drug shipments. However, recent months have seen little movement in the **Bundesrat**, which rejected PTA representation in pharmacies as recently as January 2026. Earlier, in May 2024, the **Bundesrat** had called for more flexibility to improve drug supply, but core demands—such as strengthening wholesale and controlling foreign shipping—remain unaddressed. The pharmacists' association reiterated these points at a February 2026 congress, yet no concrete changes have followed.
The meetings in Stuttgart underscored the gap between pharmacists' proposals and political action. While officials acknowledged the sector's concerns, the Pharmareform remains stalled on key issues. The delegation's next steps will likely depend on whether the Bundesrat revisits these demands in the coming months.
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