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The route to the emergency pharmacy is getting longer: 35 km regulation in MV!
New regulations for emergency service pharmacies in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania: Distance limit increases to 35 km to relieve the burden on pharmacists.
The route to the emergency pharmacy is getting longer: 35 km regulation in MV!
In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, patients who rely on medication at night or on weekends may face longer journeys to emergency pharmacies. A new regulation stipulates that the distances between emergency pharmacies be increased to a maximum of 35 kilometers. Previously this distance was 25 kilometers. This regulation will come into force on January 1, 2026 and is intended to help relieve the burden on pharmacists in the country from the demands of emergency services, reports Medical Journal.
A look at the development of the pharmacy landscape shows that the number of public pharmacies in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania has fallen from 410 in 2014 to just 361 in 2024. This declining number means that remaining pharmacists are under increasing pressure to provide emergency services. The new regulation could also make a significant contribution to reducing this burden.
Improve accessibility and infrastructure
The new requirements state that all emergency service pharmacies within a 35-kilometer grid must be accessible around the clock. However, there will still be pharmacies that offer partial emergency services and close, for example, from 10 p.m. To find the nearest emergency pharmacy, those affected can enter either a city or a zip code into a search field. This allows for aponet.de an easy way to find emergency pharmacies in the area, often even with a map view.
What is interesting is that the search function also offers an advanced search in order to be able to set more precise criteria. Patients can also search for affiliated pharmacies that will offer emergency services in the near future. Despite the assistance provided by such platforms, it is important to note that the results are non-binding as emergency services can be rescheduled at short notice.
Costs and legal regulations
Certain fees may apply for emergency services. An emergency service fee of 2.50 euros is usually charged. This fee is covered by the health insurance company if the prescription is marked “noctu”. As a rule, the fee can be charged from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. and all day on Sundays and public holidays. It is also particularly important that prescription medications can be exchanged under certain conditions, but pharmacists in emergency service only have access to their existing stock.
In addition, it is good to know that one in ten pharmacies in urban areas offer an emergency service at night and on public holidays, while in rural areas the level of service available is often higher. For medical emergencies, there is the emergency number 112 and the medical emergency service on 116117. This is important support for everyone who needs quick medical help in urgent cases.
The changes in the pharmacy structure and the new regulations clearly show that there is still a lot to be done in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania to optimize medical care, especially in emergencies. The various initiatives and the adaptation of emergency service regulations are signs of close collaboration between pharmacists and politicians to meet the needs of patients.
If you are looking for more information about the emergency services in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, you should visit the website akmv.de Visit, which provides valuable information and offers.