French pharmacists strike over cuts to generic drug discounts

Pharmacists across France are staging a nationwide protest on August 16, warning that government plans to reduce discounts on generic drugs could threaten the survival of many local pharmacies.

According to the International French Radio (RFI), nine out of ten pharmacies plan to close under the slogan: “We will close for one day so as not to close forever.”

The Union of Pharmacists' Trade Unions (Uspo) reported that 92% of pharmacies intend to remain shuttered on August 16, with some areas seeing complete closures based on a survey of 4,500 businesses, over half of which are not Uspo members.

The protest targets a decree published on August 6, which cuts the maximum discounts pharmacies can receive from drug manufacturers from 40% to 30%, with a further reduction to 20% scheduled by 2027. These discounts are a key component of pharmacists’ income, accounting for roughly a third of their margin. Uspo has called for an “immediate suspension” of the decree, warning it could devastate thousands of local pharmacies.

“This is a death sentence for vulnerable pharmacies,” Uspo President Patrick Raymond told journalists. 

Philippe Besset, president of the French Federation of Pharmacy Unions (FSPF), told reporters that the protest is “a fight for survival for small pharmacies.”

Pharmacists expressed disappointment with French politicians, accusing them of betrayal.

“We have been betrayed by François Bayrou, the prime minister himself, who took this measure against the health minister,” Besset said, calling the decree “a gift to the pharmaceutical industry” that will ultimately burden the healthcare system. He expressed hope that parliament will overturn the decision during debates on the social security financing bill.

An inter-union coalition including Uspo, FSPF, UNPF, Federgy, and UDGPO has announced plans for another nationwide strike on September 18, followed by weekly Saturday strikes beginning September 27, to maintain pressure on the government.

By Tamilla Hasanova