Many pharmacies closed in the English Channel to denounce a “destructive” reform

Manche and all France pharmacies are preparing to lower the curtain From Saturday August 16 to Monday August 18, 2025. Meanwhile, This national closure. Meanwhile, initiated by the Union of Unions of Frame Pharmacists (USPO), aims to “give itself a time to reflect and to denounce the decrease in trade discounts imposed by the Statethreatening the future of the local pharmacy, ”explains Pierre-Olivier Variot, president of the USPO.

Growing tension since June – Many pharmacies closed english channel

At the end of June. Moreover, the government announced that it wanted to reduce the discounts granted to pharmacies by wholesalers For generic drugs. A decree published in the many pharmacies closed english channel Official Journal on August 4 details this trajectory: so far capped 40 %these discounts will be lowered at 30 % from September 1. Similarly, 2025, then 20 % by 2027.

A decision that professionals deem “brutal “and” without consultation “. Therefore, Since then. For example, the tension has mounted, with the Stopping the night guards and the abolition of third -party payment in some pharmacies.

The government wants to achieve 1.7 billion euros savings. Furthermore, According to the Ministry of Health. Therefore, this reform would allow Up to 500 million euros Savings in health spending, by acting on margins, prices charged by laboratories and the consumption of drugs.

“Either closure or layoffs”

For pharmacists, this budget logic ignore The reality on the ground. Consequently, Tristan, pharmacist in Tourlaville, sounds the alarm: “This reform will make us lose 25 % of our margin on generics. many pharmacies closed english channel For us, it represents A preparer position or a preparer. If we want to survive, it will be either the closure, or layoffs ».

Small rural pharmacies would be the first victims. In the English Channel. a territory already struck by the medical desertification, Pharmacies are however often the only accessible health professionals Without an appointment.

“We do free missions all year round. Today, we are removed the only place Where we generated a little cash, “deplores the pharmacist. He continues: “The state already defines the prices of drugs. Now he attacks our discounts, and that Take advantage of the laboratories. It is a treason “.

The USPO attacks the State

“We are taken from one of the main remuneration elements without. catching it elsewhere “Explains the president of the USPO. Faced with what she describes as ” passage“. The organization has started a” many pharmacies closed english channel Priority question of constitutionality “Before the Constitutional Council and a” appealBefore the administrative court ”to denounce the inaction of the state in the face of medical deserts.

In a press release dated August 6. the USPO sums up: “This reform prepares the disappearance of thousands of pharmacies to the detriment of patients and for fatteen industry ”. Additionally, The call for closure is supported by alarge intersyndicale although the Federation of Pharmaceutical Unions of France has decided. not to participate. Of many Manche pharmacies should follow the movement.

We must preserve our pharmacy network.

The Channel Senator, Sébastien Fagnen (PS), is mounted : “It is essential to preserve our pharmacies. They are local health players. This reform is likely to worsen the situation in the areas already affected by the shortage of doctors ”.

In July, many pharmacies closed english channel he seized the Ministry of Health to alert the risks of this reform. In a letter addressed to Minister Yannick Neuder. he writes: “The drop in the ceiling of generic discounts alone represents a loss of 600 million eurosto which the Increase in many charges ».

He notably points to a risque Reduction of workforce and time amplitude, which would affect access to care. He also alerts: “This decision largely compromisesthe generic substitution right in pharmacy that allows you to generate Several billion. savings per year to health insurance ”. He finally deplores “a Total lack of consultation ».

On the change.org platform, a petition entitled “No to pharmaceutical deserts” collected Over 80,000 signatures . The testimonies highlight the importance of these establishments in rural areas. “The patient that we know well about us in front of the shortage of doctors, ”writes Augustin, trainer. “In a town many pharmacies closed english channel of 2,500 inhabitants, the pharmacy is essential“Adds Lydia, to Évreux.

Many pharmacies closed english channel

And now ?

While the reform must come into force in less than a monthManchois pharmacists demand a moratorium. abandonmentPure and simple of the ceiling of the discounts. Some offer goodbyeThe margins depending on the size of the pharmacies. their geographic location, in order to protect the most vulnerable.

“In the short term, this reform willbreak pharmacies that did not deserve it“Concludes Tristan.

The reform wanted by the governmentcrystallizeThe anger of pharmacists, especially in rural areas. In the English Channel, the mobilization is announcedforte.For professionals, it is not only an economic battle, but aFight for public health.

Léa Corbet

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