World Pharmacy Council in Berlin: Funding and Services are critical for community pharmacies

Sustainable funding for pharmacy services and the progressive expansion of the scope of services are among the most pressing challenges facing community pharmacies worldwide. These issues are at the centre of the “Pharmintercom 2026” conference, hosted by the World Pharmacy Council (WPC) in Berlin from 15 to 19 June 2026. As a WPC member since 2023, the German Pharmacists’ Association (ABDA) is hosting this year’s meeting, bringing together 35 delegates from 16 countries.

Discussions focus on national developments, the use of artificial intelligence, the contribution of community pharmacies to vaccination programmes, and strategies to address medicines shortages. Germany is represented by Mathias Arnold, Head of ABDA’s International Delegation, and Dr Jens Gobrecht, Head of ABDA’s European Office. At the opening session, ABDA President Thomas Preis reaffirmed his support to WPC President Professor Trent Twomey (Australia) for the Council’s mission to strengthen the international recognition of community pharmacy and to advance its role as an integral part of health systems.

Arnold outlined, how the policy debate in Germany on pharmacy funding and the expansion of pharmacy services has evolved. Following an intensive legislative phase, community pharmacies are now facing the complex implementation of new processes. Key challenges include upcoming cost-containment measures in statutory health insurance and broader structural reforms in the healthcare system. Arnold also underlined the strong advocacy capacity of the German pharmacy sector.

(This translation was supported by AI-based language tools and subsequently reviewed and edited.)