DM, Germany’s largest drugstore chain, is poised to aggressively disrupt the nation’s healthcare landscape, sparking intense debate and potential legal challenges. The company’s CEO, Christoph Werner, announced ambitious plans to launch an online pharmacy offering 2,500 over-the-counter medications later in 2025, followed by a rollout of diagnostic services including blood, skin and eye testing. These services, currently in pilot phases using specialist partner companies, are already drawing criticism and raising concerns about professional standards.
Werner anticipates significant pushback from established medical professionals, predicting legal action including cease and desist orders given the encroachment on traditional domains of doctors and pharmacies. Medical associations have already voiced concerns, questioning the technical rigor of the diagnostic testing facilities and criticizing the promotional aspects of the services.
Despite this expected resistance, Werner insists DM’s goal is not to supplant physicians, but to adapt to demographic shifts and the rising costs of healthcare. He views the move as an inevitable evolution within the German medical system demonstrating a proactive approach compared to passively resisting change.
The complete national implementation of these health services is projected to take at least three years, involving substantial infrastructural build-out across DM’s 2,153 stores. Beyond the current testing suite – which includes eye screenings by Skleo Health, AI-powered skin analysis by Dermanostic and comprehensive bloodwork offered by Aware (pricing from €9.95 for basic blood panels to €69.95 for more extensive analyses) – DM is actively exploring additional services offered by numerous startups.
The move signals a profound transformation in the role of the drugstore, aiming to establish DM as a primary destination for health-related needs. While initial reactions within the limited test markets have been positive, Werner cautioned that sustained success demands demonstrating longevity and building consumer trust. Competitor chains, such as Rossmann and Müller, have yet to announce similar initiatives, but Werner expects them to follow suit if DM’s model proves viable, further intensifying competition within the German healthcare sector. The question remains how receptive regulators and medical professionals will be to this expansion and whether DM’s vision of a more accessible, technology-driven healthcare ecosystem will ultimately prevail.
