Thousands at pharmacist protest: Pharmacies closed
Numerous pharmacists from the eastern German states gathered in Dresden on Wednesday to protest against the federal government's healthcare policy. According to the Federal Union of German Pharmacists' Associations (ABDA), up to 3000 pharmacies in Berlin, Brandenburg, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia were to remain closed as part of the protest. According to initial estimates by the initiators, more than 2000 people took part in the rally.
"Our protest is a protest for the future of local pharmacies, for the next generation of pharmacists and for our patients," explained Thomas Dittrich, Chairman of the Saxon Pharmacists' Association. It is directed against the decision-makers who are "questioning the supply mandate of pharmacies and want to sit out the necessary financial adjustments".
Among other things, the participants in the protest are demanding more money. According to ABDA, pharmacies are under "immense economic pressure". Supply bottlenecks, increased operating costs and staff shortages are causing them increasing problems. According to the association, salaries have not risen since 2004. The number of pharmacies in Germany has been declining for years.
The pharmacists' protest in the east is the fourth day of protest by pharmacists. Previously, there had already been demonstrations and pharmacy closures in northern, western and southern Germany in November.
The pharmacists' demand for more funding stems from the immense economic pressure they're under, with supply bottlenecks, rising operating costs, and staff shortages exacerbating the situation. Despite stagnant salaries since 2004, these demonstrations aim to safeguard the future of local pharmacies and ensure a continuum of care for patients.
Source: www.dpa.com
