Strikes in france: protests to close many pharmacies this week

MEDICINE SHORTAGES, ONLINE SALES AND A PERCEIVED LACK OF GOVERNMENT SUPPORT HAS LEAD TO A DAY OF ACTION DO YOU RECEIVE THE CONNEXION'S FREE WEEKDAY NEWSLETTER? Sign up here 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. Read more: Pharmacists set to stage national strike in France

The discontent of French pharmacists has been growing for some time, in particular due to: * Shortages, which reportedly affect around 4,000 drugs * 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. 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. 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. Read more: 16 things you can do at a French pharmacy other than

buy aspirin  ON-DUTY PHARMACIES WILL REMAIN OPEN People who need to buy medicine during the one-day strike will be able to go to the pharmacie de garde, or on-duty pharmacy, in their area.

You can find a pharmacie de garde here, or by calling 3237.