Prävention beim Shoppen: dm plant Herz-Kreislauf-Check in Drogerien

In response to pending legal proceedings concerning healthcare services, pharmacy chain dm is expanding its product offerings to include cardiovascular health checks in their stores. Sebastian Bayer, the Chief Executive Officer of Marketing + Procurement, explained that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in Germany.

Recent technological advancements have enabled reliable collection of vital data and parameters through sensor technology without extensive additional effort. For example, entering a capsule can provide comprehensive data. Bayer did not specify a precise launch date for this service but anticipated it would occur within the current calendar year.

The involvement of a partner for this initiative in Karlsruhe remained unclear at the time. Prior to a year ago, dm had begun offering skin and blood analyses, as well as eye screenings in select pilot stores. Bayer indicated that a second testing phase for eye screenings would commence shortly, with the chain aiming to assess the reception of this service in both rural areas of Schleswig-Holstein, where there are few ophthalmologists, and major cities.

The number of stores offering eye screenings is expected to increase from 8 to 30. The refurbishment works are planned for the end of August and September. Blood testing analysis is currently on hold but has proven to be a relevant offer for customers, according to Bayer. "dm wants to take this matter more into its own hands." Regarding skin examinations, the focus is currently on improving the referral to an online dermatologist.

Dermatology and ophthalmology associations have criticized the offerings, with the Association of German Industries even filing a lawsuit. The court in Karlsruhe will discuss the matter on September 9th, while another case is scheduled for November at the Düsseldorf District Court, concerning dm's cooperation partner.