Germany debates medical competency split between doctors and pharmacies

A debate is intensifying in Germany regarding the division of medical competencies between doctor's offices and pharmacies. The National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians (KBV) is launching a campaign titled ‘Vaccination with a Professional’ in early October to emphasize that medical practices should remain the primary contact for diagnostics and prevention.

KBV leadership has expressed concerns that expanding pharmacy roles could weaken professional boundaries and compromise patient safety. Similarly, the KV Westfalen-Lippe warned against outsourcing medical services, labeling pharmacy-based offerings as a ‘second-class’ alternative.

Conversely, pharmacy representatives, including the ABDA, argue that integrating pharmacies more deeply into primary care could relieve pressure on doctors. They suggest that pharmacies could perform screenings for blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol, as well as offer vaccinations. However, the KV Brandenburg has contested this, stating that additional contact points may not reduce the workload in practices and could instead lead to redundant examinations.