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Pharmacy Reform Brings More Services and Medication Without Prescription
Germany’s Bundestag has approved a comprehensive pharmacy reform aimed at expanding the role of pharmacies in healthcare. The reform allows pharmacies to provide more vaccinations, preventive health checks, and, importantly, in certain cases, dispense prescription medications without the need for a doctor’s prescription. This legislative change is designed to strengthen local pharmacy networks and broaden patient access to essential medical services, particularly in rural areas [Source 1].
The reform notably empowers pharmacists to assist patients with acute illnesses by dispensing specific prescription drugs upon professional consultation, even without an accompanying prescription. Moreover, patients with chronic conditions who have received the same medication for at least three consecutive quarters may obtain a one-time supply of the smallest pack directly from the pharmacy without returning to the doctor [Source 1].
Key Changes Affecting Expats and International Residents
For expats, foreign workers, and international students living in Germany, the pharmacy reform means easier and quicker access to certain medications and preventive care services. With expanded vaccination roles, pharmacies will offer immunizations against diseases such as tetanus and hepatitis, which may be beneficial for those new to Germany’s healthcare system or without easy access to a family doctor [Source 4].
The availability of preventive screenings for heart disease, diabetes, and smoking-related risks at pharmacies enables early health assessments without additional doctor visits. These health checks, alongside the ability to obtain some prescription medicines without seeing a physician every time, can reduce both time and costs for expats navigating a new healthcare environment [Source 2].
However, patients should note that while pharmacies can now dispense certain prescription medications without a prescription, this applies only under specific criteria and for defined conditions. Medicines and exact rules for such dispense will be determined by the Federal Ministry of Health together with medical and pharmaceutical commissions, providing a regulated framework to ensure safety [Source 6].
Structural and Economic Implications for Pharmacies
The reform also aims to secure the sustainability of supply points by giving pharmacies financial incentives, such as remuneration for partial emergency services and easing administrative hurdles, especially for opening branch pharmacies in underserved locations. This is part of a broader governmental effort to counter the decline in local pharmacies, a phenomenon known as the “apotheken-sterben” or pharmacy closures [Source 7].
Pharmacies will also integrate new preventive services into the electronic patient record system, promoting better interdisciplinary cooperation between doctors and pharmacists. This reform strives to reinforce pharmacies’ position as vital components of Germany’s healthcare infrastructure beyond their traditional role focused on dispensing medication [Source 7].
Nevertheless, some medical bodies have raised concerns about expanding pharmacists’ roles into tasks traditionally reserved for doctors, emphasizing the need for clear competencies and qualifications to maintain patient safety [Source 6].
Expats and other residents should stay informed about which medications and services fall under the new regulations and consider discussing these options with their local pharmacists to fully utilize the reform’s benefits. The changes went into effect following the Bundestag’s decision in December 2025 [Source 1].
For further details, please refer to the original German report: Apothekenreform beschlossen – was ändert sich für Patienten? [Source 1].
