Challenges Facing Pharmacies in Schleswig-Holstein

The decline of pharmacies in Schleswig-Holstein poses significant challenges to patient care, particularly in rural areas. Over the past decade, many pharmacies have shuttered their doors, resulting in longer travel distances for patients, especially during emergencies.

Community pharmacists, like Sigrun Kramer, struggle to find successors, threatening the personal service that local residents cherish. Pharmacies are integral to rural infrastructure and cannot be supplanted by online services.

Additionally, the overall number of pharmacies in Germany has fallen to a historic low, exacerbated by a shortage of skilled professionals. The reliance on emergency services during holidays underscores the critical need for accessible medication and care.

Without intervention, the future of pharmacy services in these communities remains uncertain.