New German pharmacy rules threaten patient access and costs

Germany's crackdown on mail-order pharmacies faces fierce industry backlash

The German government's plan to tighten regulations on mail-order pharmacies has sparked strong opposition from industry leaders. Olaf Heinrich, CEO of Redcare, and Roland Helle, CEO of Mycare, argue that the proposed rules under the Pharmacy Supply Development Act (ApoVWG) could disrupt supply chains and raise costs for millions of patients. Over 26 million people, especially those with chronic illnesses or in rural areas, depend on these services for affordable and accessible medication. The government's proposal includes stricter temperature controls and pharmaceutical-grade logistics requirements for online pharmacies. Heinrich warns that enforcing such standards would destabilise the entire system, as current logistics providers lack the infrastructure to meet these demands. He also questions whether the Federal Ministry of Health has considered EU legal constraints, claiming the rules unfairly discriminate against pan-European suppliers.

Heinrich and Helle argue that mail-order pharmacies have operated safely for over two decades without major quality or security issues. The Federal Ministry of Health, however, maintains there is no evidence of transport risks for these services. Meanwhile, Dr. Ina Lucas, vice president of the German Pharmacists' Association (ABDA), compares ordering medication from abroad to 'buying a medical black box', raising concerns about unregulated imports. Mail-order pharmacies currently account for roughly one-fifth of the pharmacy sector's revenue. Many customers, particularly those in remote areas, rely on them due to limited access to local pharmacies. Heinrich stresses that stricter regulations would increase individual drug costs and hinder efficiency improvements in the statutory health insurance system.

The debate highlights tensions between regulatory oversight and patient access. If implemented, the new rules could force millions of regular users—especially those with mobility issues or chronic conditions—to seek costlier alternatives. The outcome may also impact the broader pharmacy sector, where online services play a growing role in healthcare delivery.