The German drugstore chain DM is poised to significantly expand its presence within the healthcare sector, a move sparking debate and raising concerns about the future of independent pharmacies. Christoph Werner, CEO of DM, has publicly dismissed anxieties suggesting the company’s entry will accelerate the ongoing decline of pharmacies across Germany, citing the focus on over-the-counter, pharmacy-only products rather than prescription medications as a key differentiator.
DM intends to integrate an online pharmacy platform into its website by the year’s end, offering a range of non-prescription, pharmacy-purchasable medicinal products. Werner insists that the core business of pharmacies remains heavily reliant on prescription fulfillment, thereby minimizing the anticipated impact of DM’s new offering. He emphasizes DM’s commitment to remaining a drugstore, suggesting the expansion is a strategic adjustment to meet evolving consumer demand. Rumors of a dedicated online pharmacy branded under DM’s popular “Mivolis” house brand were definitively refuted by Werner, who cited legal limitations restricting Mivolis’s scope of applicability.
However, the move takes place against a backdrop of growing anxieties about the sustainability of the German pharmacy landscape. Werner himself acknowledged the shrinking number of pharmacies, pinpointing the looming succession crisis as a significant contributor. He proposed innovative approaches to emergency dispensing services, notably suggesting hospitals – already possessing curated pharmacy inventories – could expand their offerings to encompass those crucial after-hours functions, thereby circumventing the current system of rotating emergency pharmacy duties.
While currently precluded by existing regulations, Werner also indicated openness to future models, referencing international examples where pharmacies are integrated within supermarkets or drugstores. He acknowledged the possibility of employing pharmacists within DM stores should regulatory frameworks evolve, effectively hinting at a potential restructuring of the entire provision of pharmaceutical care. The move signals a willingness to challenge existing norms and potentially reshape the healthcare market, raising questions about the long-term viability of traditional, independent pharmacies and the extent to which large retail chains will increasingly dominate the distribution of essential medications. Concerns remain amongst industry observers regarding the potential for reduced competition and the implications for patient access to specialized pharmaceutical advice.
