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Unabated pharmacy fatalities persist

Decreasing number of pharmacies in the local area, as indicated by the first half of the 2025 report from the North Rhine Pharmacists' Chamber.

Pharmacist fatalities persist
Pharmacist fatalities persist

Unabated pharmacy fatalities persist

In a worrying development, the Pharmacists' Chamber (Apothekerkammer Nordrhein, AKNR) based in the North Rhine region has expressed grave concerns over the increasing trend of pharmacy closures. This closure trend, which has seen **21 pharmacies shut down in the North Rhine region in the current semester**, is raising serious questions about the sustainability of pharmaceutical services and the comprehensive supply of medicines to the population.

The AKNR's concerns are not unfounded. With only four new pharmacies opening in the region during the same period, the number of pharmacies in the North Rhine region is dwindling, leaving a growing shortage of pharmacies. This shortage could lead to difficulties in accessing pharmaceutical care, potentially endangering public health infrastructure.

The closure trend is not unique to the North Rhine region. Düsseldorf, the region's largest city, is also experiencing a similar trend, with **four pharmacies closing this year**, leaving a total of 147 pharmacies in the city. Pharmacies in Düsseldorf have expressed their own concerns about the federal government's reforms and the impact they may have on local communities.

Most people consider a local pharmacy important, according to a survey, highlighting the vital role these businesses play in our communities. The AKNR is urging immediate counteraction from the federal government to address this concerning trend and support pharmacies to remain operational in the region.

The AKNR's concerns are further compounded by the potential impact on patient care. As more pharmacies close, the remaining ones will face an increasing workload. This development raises worries about the sustainability of pharmaceutical services in both rural and urban areas, as longer travel times and delays for patients needing medications could become the norm.

In a bid to shed light on this issue, the Pharmacists' Chamber has released a report on the topic, detailing the extent of the problem and outlining potential solutions. This report can be found through the provided links.

Earlier this year, this news outlet reported on the pharmacy closure trend in Düsseldorf. The federal government's planned measures regarding pharmacy closures have not yet been implemented. The AKNR is calling for these measures to be swiftly implemented to stem the tide of pharmacy closures and ensure the continued provision of essential pharmaceutical services to the population.

The AKNR's report emphasizes the potential consequences of the pharmacy closure trend on public health and wellness, especially in terms of medical-conditions management, given the increasing workload on remaining pharmacies. The science behind this issue highlights the importance of a comprehensive supply of medicines, and the chamber urges the federal government to take immediate action to support the sustainability of science and health-and-wellness services in both urban and rural areas.

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