Pharmacy Protest Day
on March 23, 2026
For Fair Competition: Background on the Pharmacy Protest Day
The financial situation of many pharmacies in Germany is coming under increasing pressure. In particular, pharmacy reimbursement rates —which have not been adjusted for years—pose a growing challenge to the nationwide supply of medicines. The nationwide day of protest draws attention to this trend and its consequences.
Europharm supports pharmacies’ calls for adequate compensation and fair, sustainable operating conditions. In our view, a stable and efficient pharmacy sector is a key component of a reliable healthcare system.
On this page, we have compiled a selection of current and relevant articles about the day of protest and the background to it.
Latest articles on the nationwide day of protest by pharmacies
Pharmacy Protest: Emergency Services Instead of Normal Operations on Monday
Many pharmacies will remain closed on the day of the protest. The main reason is that reimbursement rates have remained unchanged for 13 years despite a sharp rise in costs.
Source: Welt | Date: March 22, 2026
https://www.welt.de/article69bfb1228f5761671715b2f0
80 percent of pharmacies in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania closed on Monday
Over 80% of pharmacies are participating in the protest. The main demand is an adjustment to fees that have been stagnant for years.
Source: Welt | Date: March 22, 2026
https://www.welt.de/regionales/mecklenburg-vorpommern/article69bf77b6af187d606b80e97f/80-prozent-der-mv-apotheken-am-montag-geschlossen.html
Protest Paralyzes Pharmacies – Emergency Services Ensure Supply
The financial situation of many pharmacies is dire. Without better compensation, further closures and supply issues loom.
Source: Welt | Date: March 22, 2026
https://www.welt.de/article69bfbf6eb2e790aa611521c8
Strike Alert! Many pharmacies remain closed
Thousands of pharmacies across the country are taking part in the protest. Economic pressure on these businesses has been mounting for years.
Source: BILD | Date: March 21, 2026
https://www.bild.de/politik/inland/proteste-fuer-mehr-geld-streik-alarm-viele-apotheken-bleiben-am-montag-geschlossen-69be99a8ea8bf301e4ae34ed
Many pharmacies in the north remain closed—so what now?
The protests are intended to draw attention to chronic underfunding, particularly the stagnant reimbursement per prescription.
Source: Welt | Date: March 20, 2026
https://www.welt.de/article69bd1386ea8bf301e4ae1db0
Pharmacies in Brandenburg to Close for One Day in Protest
Many pharmacies find themselves in a difficult financial situation because reimbursement rates have not been adjusted for years.
Source: Welt | Date: March 18, 2026
https://www.welt.de/regionales/berlin/article69baab1e3f652f4092961595/brandenburger-apotheken-schliessen-einen-tag-aus-protest.html
Pharmacies Struggle with Supply Shortages and Online Competition
In addition to stagnating fees, supply shortages and competition are increasingly weighing on the industry.
Source: Welt | Date: approx. March 15, 2026
https://www.welt.de/regionales/sachsen/article69b38cda28b7770e637eb1f3/apotheken-kaempfen-mit-engpaessen-und-online-konkurrenz.html
Pharmacy Closures on March 23 – Protest for Higher Reimbursement
The profession is calling for an adjustment to reimbursement rates to secure the financial foundation of pharmacies.
Source: Apotheken Umschau | Date: March 2026
https://www.apotheken-umschau.de/gesundheitspolitik/apothekenschliessungen-am-23-maerz-protest-fuer-mehr-verguetung-1486169.html
Nationwide Day of Protest on March 23
Part of the “We’re Not Free” campaign, featuring nationwide actions and pharmacy closures.
Source: Apotheke Adhoc | Date: March 2026
https://www.apotheke-adhoc.de/nachrichten/detail/politik/bundesweiter-protesttag-am-23-maerz/
Pharmacies Protest for Higher Fees
The ABDA is calling for an increase in the reimbursement per package—a key demand of the day of protest.
Source: PTAheute | Date: 02/26/2026
https://www.ptaheute.de/aktuelles/2026/02/26/protest-apotheken-schliessen-am-23-maerz-2026