Pharmacies across France close in protest

The French Pharmacists’ Union (USPO) announced that pharmacists will hold a nationwide strike tomorrow, Saturday, to protest the Paris government’s decision to reduce the commercial discount granted to pharmacies. As a result, more than 90% of pharmacies will be closed on that day.

Recently, the French government approved a plan to lower the maximum commercial discount for pharmacies purchasing medicines from 40% to 30%, a change that will take effect in September. Under the plan, the discount will be further reduced to 20% by 2027.

According to RIA Novosti, the union’s statement read: “In the face of this unilateral, unfair, and dangerous decision for the future of the pharmacy network, 92% of pharmacies in France will close on Saturday, August 16, at the request of USPO and with the unanimous support of pharmaceutical associations.”

The statement added that pharmacies in many regions of France will halt operations. According to RMC radio, about 70% of pharmacies in the Paris metropolitan area will be closed.

The USPO has called for the immediate suspension of the new rules, warning that they will cause the permanent closure of many pharmacies due to financial hardship and will worsen the ongoing problem of medicine shortages. French pharmacists have even threatened an indefinite strike and “other unprecedented measures” starting in September if authorities do not reverse their decision.