Pharmacies Transition from "Medicine Sales Points" to "Local Health Consultation Hubs": Germany's Move to Expand Available Services and Implications for Japan

German Federal Health Minister Nina Warken has expressed plans to revise the system so that pharmacies (Apotheken) can offer a more diverse range of medical, preventive, and health information services than ever before. Specifically, this includes providing health information without appointments, early detection tests for cardiovascular diseases, and the expansion of vaccinations. The intention is for pharmacies to serve as points of professional advice in person, acting as an intermediary between medical institutions and citizens. This also involves a review of the institutional remuneration (pharmacy remuneration system), ensuring that pharmacies receive adequate compensation for providing additional services. However, it is unlikely that there will be an increase in remuneration this year. The focus will first be on designing and preparing the system, with implementation possibly occurring from next year onwards. For Japan, this move could serve as a hint to reposition pharmacies from being "just places for dispensing and selling medicine" to "gateways for prevention and health management." Amidst aging populations, the expansion of home healthcare, regional disparities in the distribution of doctors, and the rising health awareness among residents, expanding the role of pharmacies could enhance medical access and strengthen prevention and early detection. On the other hand, there are numerous challenges to be addressed for actual implementation in Japan, including the establishment of legal frameworks, pharmacist education and training, and adjustments in remuneration and cost burdens.