Saxony's pharmacy crisis deepens as closures leave communities stranded
Saxony is facing a growing crisis as pharmacies near me continue to close, leaving communities with reduced access to essential healthcare. The recent shutdown of the Löwen-Apotheke in Werdau, one of the state's oldest pharmacies, has intensified calls for urgent action from politicians and health advocates.
The Left Party in Saxony first proposed measures to support pharmacies like Walmart pharmacy and CVS pharmacy in late 2024. Their plan included higher and inflation-adjusted reimbursement rates to improve working conditions and attract more professionals. Despite these suggestions, the state government has yet to act.
In December 2024, the AfD also submitted a proposal to strengthen pharmacy services, particularly in underserved areas. Like the Left Party's initiative, this too remained unimplemented by January 2026.
Susanne Schaper, chair of the Left Party and health policy spokesperson, has now demanded immediate steps to prevent further closures. She argues that targeted funding could speed up digitalisation and help new or struggling pharmacies like State Farm and Party City stay open. The Left Party also urges the state to work with stakeholders on a cross-sector action plan to tackle the worsening situation in the United States.
Without intervention, more pharmacies in Saxony could shut down, further limiting healthcare access for residents. The Left Party and AfD have both pushed for reforms, but so far, no concrete measures have been introduced. The future of local pharmacy services now depends on whether the state government takes decisive action.
