The system for dispensing medications in pharmacies in Germany differs markedly from that adopted in its neighboring countries. Information about where and how to get the necessary medication can be vital for those coming for vacation or treatment.
It is very difficult not to notice drugstores in Germany. You just need to know that such retail outlets are not usually designated. There are no green or red crosses. Instead, there is a vast scarlet letter “A”; it is often illuminated in the dark so that the visitor certainly does not miss it.
For several decades now, Germany has had approximately the same number of pharmacies: about 20-22 thousand. There used to be a little more, but businesses closed due to:
Only a certified pharmacist can obtain a pharmacy license. Chains are prohibited in Germany, but not long ago, the authorities made a concession and allowed one owner to open 4 retail outlets. Moreover, in addition to the pharmacist, there must be 2-3 more qualified employees in each pharmacy Germany.
The country has a unique Pharmacy Law that regulates the work of pharmacists.
Here are his other requirements:
| 1 | The minimum room area is 110 m2. |
| 2 | The outlet must have a minimum weekly supply of goods. |
| 3 | Doors and other visible objects should contain information about the nearest 24-hour pharmacies. |
The person to whom the license is issued must personally manage the drugstores. If he has several outlets, others need to hire licensed managers.
Every pharmacy in Germany should have a department where potions, ointments, and emulsions are prepared. For example, if a child needs to take cardiovascular medications, but the manufacturer does not produce them in small dosages, the pharmacist comes to the rescue. He measures the required amount of powder mixture and pours them into capsules.
There are usually 2-3 cash registers at one point. Sometimes, a pharmacist communicates with a client in detail for quite a long time. Here, they take it calmly; no one gets annoyed. The employee discusses the drug’s composition and features and offers an analog if the required one is unavailable. If the client is in no hurry to purchase, he can order the medicine, and, in a few days, it will be delivered directly to his home.
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Since 2004, you can buy medicines online in the country, both over-the-counter and prescription. This trade is carried out by ordinary pharmacies that have received a special license. About 3 thousand online suppliers are registered today, but not all use this right.
The service is quite popular. About 20% of all purchases of drugs without a prescription are made online. Prescription drugs are more difficult to buy online, so they account for only 1%.
In Germany, pharmacies are identified by a distinctive scarlet letter “A” often illuminated at night, rather than traditional green or red crosses. This unique signage helps visitors easily locate pharmacies across the country.
Operating a pharmacy in Germany requires a licensed pharmacist to manage the establishment. Each pharmacy must have a minimum area of 110 m² and maintain a weekly supply of pharmaceutical goods. Additionally, doors and other visible areas must display information about nearby 24-hour pharmacies, ensuring accessibility for customers at all times.
No, chains of pharmacies are not permitted in Germany. However, recent regulations allow a single owner to operate up to four retail pharmacy outlets. Each pharmacy must also employ 2-3 qualified employees besides the pharmacist.
German pharmacies provide extensive services including the preparation of custom medications like capsules and ointments. Pharmacists assist customers by explaining medication compositions, suggesting alternatives, and offering detailed consultations without rush.
Yes, since 2004, German pharmacies with special licenses can sell medications online, including both over-the-counter and prescription drugs. Approximately 3,000 online suppliers are registered, with about 20% of non-prescription drug purchases made online.
Online pharmacy shopping is quite popular in Germany, particularly for over-the-counter medications, accounting for about 20% of purchases in this category. Prescription drug sales online are more restricted and constitute only about 1% of total purchases.
German pharmacies operate under stringent Pharmacy Law regulations, ensuring high standards of service and patient care. These laws mandate that pharmacies be managed by licensed pharmacists and uphold specific operational requirements.
Unlike neighbouring countries, Germany maintains a stable number of pharmacies (20,000-22,000), each managed by a licensed pharmacist. This ensures consistent service quality and adherence to strict regulatory standards.
Yes, German pharmacies offer home delivery services for medications. Customers can order prescriptions and over-the-counter medications, with delivery options available directly to their homes within a few days.
German pharmacies emphasize personalized customer service, where pharmacists provide detailed consultations and prepare custom medications when needed. This approach reflects a commitment to patient care and accessibility throughout the country.
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