Neele (19) from Reinickendorf: “I didn’t know anything. I only had a prescription. I had to turn around and take the bus in the other direction. It could have been announced better. I wish for better organization next time” Photo: Charles Yunck
By Carlos Contreras and Isabel Pancake
Germany-wide pharmacy strike! In Berlin too, many of the 732 public pharmacies remained closed on Wednesday. The only point of contact for urgently needed medication: Pharmacy emergency services.
The demand of the pharmacists: more money. Instead of the current fee of EUR 8.35 per drug, the pharmacists want to have EUR 12 in the future.
Steffi T. (35) with his son Leonard (5) from Pankow: “My little one has a middle ear infection. He actually needs antibiotics, but we didn’t get our medicine!” Photo: Charles Yunck
Two euros are still deducted from the fees – until February 1, it was only 1.77 euros. The Paul Gerhardt pharmacy in Wedding, for example, has earned 10,800 euros less than usual since the beginning of the year.
At the same time, the costs for rent, electricity and staff are increasing. The acute shortage of medication causes additional stress.
owner dr Jozef Dobija (55): “It’s not about the Porsche and the house on Sylt. But for our existence.”
Brigitte Hensel (84) from Reinickendorf: “I wouldn’t complain about the protest. Pharmacists are also allowed to strike!” Photo: Charles Yunck
This is also shown by the statistics: in the past year alone, 16 pharmacies in Berlin have closed forever – this year there have been four so far.