Photo by Felix Eka Putra Kuntjoro on Unsplash
Key Changes in Germany’s Pharmacy Reform
Germany’s Bundestag has passed a major pharmacy reform law aimed at broadening the range of services that pharmacies can offer to patients. The reform facilitates greater access to health services such as vaccinations, preventive care for chronic diseases, and the availability of certain medications without a doctor’s prescription. Health Minister Nina Warken (CDU) spearheaded the legislation, which is designed to promote more patient autonomy and flexibility in treatment options at pharmacies across the country [Source 2].
Under this reform, pharmacies will be authorized to provide expanded preventive care services targeting cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and smoking cessation. Patients will also be able to obtain rapid diagnostic tests for infectious agents like influenza, norovirus, or rotavirus similarly to the testing protocols established during the COVID-19 pandemic [Source 1]. Additionally, more medications traditionally requiring a prescription may now be dispensed directly by pharmacists under specific conditions.
Impact on Expats, International Students, and Foreign Workers
The pharmacy reform has important practical implications for expats and other international residents in Germany. With expanded pharmacy services, it becomes easier and quicker to access vaccinations and preventive tests without visiting a doctor first. This can reduce healthcare costs and waiting times, especially beneficial for busy workers or students who may face language or system barriers when navigating traditional medical channels.
However, patients should be aware that while more medications will be available without prescriptions, regulations on which medicines qualify vary, and pharmacists will still assess individual eligibility. Expats should keep track of any necessary documentation and be prepared to consult pharmacists on new service offerings. The reform also encourages greater patient responsibility, making it advisable for foreign residents to familiarize themselves with the expanded role of pharmacies to benefit fully from the changes [Source 1, Source 2].
Background and Context of the Reform
The legislation, officially called the “Apothekenversorgung-Weiterentwicklungsgesetz,” was debated in the Bundestag’s first reading on February 27, 2026. The reform aims to strengthen pharmacies economically and provide them with more authority to improve healthcare delivery, particularly addressing challenges such as staff shortages and economic pressures on smaller and rural pharmacies [Source 7].
Over 90% of pharmacy revenue continues to come from traditional medication sales with and without prescriptions, but expanding the scope of pharmaceutical services marks a significant shift in the healthcare system. The reform is also part of broader efforts to modernize patient care pathways and promote early detection of diseases, thereby potentially reducing longer-term health complications [Source 1, Source 2].
Further official details can be found in the original report by Tagesschau: Apothekenreform beschlossen – was ändert sich für Patienten?
