Pharmacists in France are to stage a one-day strike this week in protest at medicine shortages, a perceived lack of government support and the availability of over-the-counter drugs online.
The May 30 strike is expected to see up to 90% of pharmacies close in some areas, in what for many will be the second strike of the month.
Pharmacy closures - around one a day so far in 2024
Online sales of over-the-counter drugs
A perceived lack of support from the government
The Union des syndicats de pharmaciens d'officine (USPO) pharmacists’ union is calling for all their members to close on May 30 as is the Fédération des pharmaciens d'officine.
“The date will be crucial in convincing the political authorities and the [French public health authority] Assurance Maladie,” states the USPO website.
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The pharmacists’ unions have also planned protest marches in many cities, including Toulouse, Marseille, Grenoble, Bordeaux and Nice
However, as pharmacies can be owned by either private individuals or local, regional or national firms, it is difficult to gauge how many will heed the call to strike.
In some areas, up to 95% are expected to be shut according to industry website Lemoniteurdespharmacies.fr.
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France has a huge network of around 19,500 pharmacies, which in some communes represent the last commerce still open. However, the number has been falling consistently by around 300 each year since 2020.
