Pharmacists in MV are sounding the alarm: vital medications are missing!

Pharmacists in MV are sounding the alarm: vital medications are missing!

The pharmacies in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania are currently on “red alert”. Medicine supply is facing major challenges and many pharmacists are raising the alarm about ongoing shortages, which are emerging as a key problem in the industry. How Northern Courier Reportedly, important medications such as asthma sprays, insulins, antihypertensives and strong painkillers are becoming increasingly difficult to obtain.

There are currently 369 pharmacies in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, which corresponds to a density of 22.6 pharmacies per 100,000 inhabitants - which is slightly above the national average. Nevertheless, the trend is downwards; In the city of Demmin, for example, the number of pharmacies has decreased from eight to just five. The pharmacists' work is becoming particularly difficult due to the increase in over 500 supply bottlenecks that have been reported, according to the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM).

The grim situation of pharmacies

The situation in 2024 was assessed as lost or catastrophic by more than half of the pharmacy teams. Only a third found the year average, while 72% of owners rated it negatively, according to a report by Pharmacy Adhoc. Due to the staff shortage and the growing demands on pharmacists, many see the situation as particularly critical.

In fact, the number of students studying pharmacy has decreased, indicating a lack of new blood. Staff shortages have reached an all-time high for 80% of respondents. This problem is perceived as more pressing by employed pharmacists and pharmaceutical-technical assistants than by the owners themselves.

The use of technology and the challenges

As digitalization advances, local pharmacies are trying to optimize their services. Just one of the examples: The emergency service plan is now created by artificial intelligence, but this can lengthen the journey for patients. While this technological support can bring benefits, it also poses risks as face-to-face contacts may be lacking.

But there are also positive developments. Many pharmacies now offer apps for e-prescriptions and often deliver medications on the same day. These services could help to strengthen customer loyalty, but pharmacists also have to identify incorrect prescriptions, which can, in the best case scenario, be life-saving.

Recognition and appreciation required

Pharmacists are urgently demanding more recognition for their services - 44% see a higher fee as a central solution. In addition, 30% of those surveyed would like to be more valued, while 14% are hoping for urgently better working conditions. With only 52 advertised positions for pharmacists and 43 for pharmaceutical-technical assistants in MV, finding suitable personnel could remain a challenge.

The situation of pharmacies in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania shows how important a stable supply of medicines is for the population. Pharmacists are called upon to find solutions in these challenging times, both for their patients and for their own practice. The coming months will show whether the industry can respond better to people's needs or whether the problem of bottlenecks will continue to exist.

We are staying tuned and monitoring developments that will be crucial for both pharmacists and patients. The time has come for all market players to work together to improve drug supply not just here but everywhere.