Closing after 15 years: Traditional pharmacy in Bavaria cannot find a successor

Peter Becker has closed his Marien-Apotheke pharmacy in Wolfratshausen after searching for a successor for over 18 months without success. The " Merkur " newspaper, among others, reported this.

He sees his pharmacy in the community directly outside the city of millions as "a living neighborhood," says the 66-year-old. Therefore, this is an emotional farewell after 15 years in which Becker ran the pharmacy right in the old town.

Becker explains that he spent more than a year and a half trying to find a successor but couldn't find one. Even so, optimal conditions for the handover were created. Despite the difficult situation, Becker says: "I would become a pharmacist again anytime." He hopes for support from the new Federal Minister of Health to stop the increasing decline in pharmacies.

The closure of the pharmacy symbolizes a nationwide trend. The number of pharmacies in Germany is steadily declining. Thousands have closed since the turn of the millennium. Nicole Bludau of Atradius, an international credit insurer, expects this trend to continue .

Reasons include growing competitive pressure from online pharmacies, the insufficient availability of medications, and a shortage of skilled workers. Young pharmacists also face higher costs when taking over existing pharmacies.

The decision comes at a time when e-prescriptions are gaining increasing importance in Germany and putting traditional pharmacies under pressure. DocMorris sees the digital sector as the future and aims to improve the efficiency of medication supply through innovative technologies.

The reasons for the decline of pharmacies:

• Competitive pressure from online pharmacies
• Inadequate availability of medicines
• Skilled labor shortage
• Higher acquisition costs for young pharmacists
• Political decisions and lack of adjustment of fees
• Increased health insurance discount per prescribed medication