Public pharmacy: Successfully start your own business

Successfully taking over or starting a pharmacy requires far more skills than those taught during university or the practical year. For this reason, the Chamber of Pharmacists (AKNR) and the North Rhine Pharmacists' Association (AVNR), the German Pharmacists' and Doctors' Bank, Treuhand Hannover Tax and Business Consulting for the Health Professions GmbH, and ARZ Service GmbH once again hosted this year's start-up workshop.

Following welcoming remarks by AKNR Vice President Kathrin Luboldt , Dr. Katharina Freischlad , AVNR Board Member, reviewed the current situation of community pharmacies . For the first time, these are addressed in a separate chapter of the coalition agreement . In addition to the planned fee increase and the lifting of the ban on discounts, preventive healthcare is also to be strengthened.

"The example of the Pharmacy First concept in Great Britain shows how pharmacies in Germany can also be integrated as the first point of contact in the healthcare system for minor complaints," said Freischlad . This is also relevant given that the number of people in need of care will increase rapidly in the future. Pharmacies could also develop further with an expansion of pharmaceutical services and vaccination offerings.

When asked whether she would become self-employed again today, the pharmacist answered with a yes: "It means freedom, independence and variety – but also pressure, responsibility and time commitment."

Dr. Niklas Huber , the founder of the pharmacy, gave a personal insight into why he decided to take over a pharmacy after years of working outside of the pharmacy. After studying pharmacy in Braunschweig and subsequently completing his doctorate in pharmaceutical technology in Bonn , the pharmacist worked in the pharmaceutical industry for more than ten years.

Every workplace has advantages and disadvantages, Huber emphasized. What he particularly disliked about the industry was the external control and pressure "from above and below," which affected him as a mid-level employee. Thus, in 2024, Huber decided to take over the Mohren Pharmacy in Wuppertal , "because life means change."

"As a boss, you can make your own decisions, but you also have responsibility for your employees," said Huber . He offered some tips on what to consider before taking the step into self-employment . "For example, you're tying up your capital . And you need a family that's on board." The pharmacist advised seeking support networks: "Don't go it alone."