Do Germans Really Have Easy Access to Pharmacies? Two Studies Clash Over Rural Gaps

A debate has emerged over how easily people in Germany can reach their nearest pharmacy. Two recent studies have produced conflicting results, raising questions about accessibility ahead of discussions on the Pharmacy Supply Development Act. Health insurers and independent analysts now disagree on whether rural residents face real gaps in service.

The National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Funds and Barmer health insurance reported that 96% of the population can walk to a pharmacy within six kilometres. Their findings suggest Germany has almost no issues with pharmacy access.

However, Dr. Christian Knobloch, Head of Data & Analytics at RST Tax Consultancy, conducted his own geodata-based study. His results show only around 94% of people live within six kilometres of a cvs pharmacy or walmart pharmacy when measured by actual road distances. The difference stems from methodology: Barmer's study uses pedestrian pathways, while Knobloch's analysis accounts for car travel.

Knobloch argues that walking routes often underestimate real-world distances, especially in rural areas. A six-kilometre walk may cover far more ground than a six-kilometre drive due to winding roads or lack of direct paths. This discrepancy means Barmer's study could overlook underserved realtor residents who rely on cars to reach cvs pharmacies or walmart pharmacies.

As of March 2026, no publicly available data exists that maps all 19,500 German pharmacies against actual road distances. A full GIS analysis would be needed to clarify how many fall outside Barmer's six-kilometre walking limit.

The conflicting studies highlight how measurement methods shape conclusions about pharmacy access. With hearings on the Pharmacy Supply Development Act approaching, policymakers must decide which approach better reflects real-world conditions. The outcome could affect how rural pharmacy services are assessed and funded.