« The 33-15 is dead. The 20-20 is essential. And the federation enters the resistance. “Faced with the rigidity of government arbitration on commercial discounts, Philippe Besset, president of the Federation of Pharmaceutical Unions of France (FSPF), denounces a” economic disaster And acts the entry into a phase of political confrontation. The expected decree in the Official Journal at the end of July will impose a limitation to 30 % of the generic discounts and 15 % on the biosimilars from August 1, 2025. The decree will also specify an objective of “20 % on the generics and 20 % on the biosimilars” in March 2027, without compensation, neither revoyer clause, nor conventional opening.
« The government is preparing to lose hundreds of millions of euros in the pharmacies “Summarizes Pierre-Olivier Variot, President of the Union of Unions of Frame Pharmacists (USPO).
An impossible compromise: unions and government say no
After a meeting of more than an hour with Yannick Neuder, Philippe Besset had presented a transitional counter-proposition at 34-15, accompanied by a site of conventional reform on fees. “” We tried to build a plan to get out of the discount trap, but everyone refused it: the unions, which spoke of “politics at least worse”, and the government, which judged our request excessive. »
An economical bomb for pharmacies
According to the estimates shared by the FSPF and by the USPO, the average loss per pharmacy would be € 15,000 per year, with heavy differences according to the purchasing structure and the economic profile of the pharmacy. “” We are talking about a net transfer of value to industry. Without rebalancing by fees, it will be unlivable for many rural or independent pharmacies. », Underlines Pierre-Olivier Variot.
The FSPF, which will hold its general assembly on July 30, confirms that any attempt at compromise is now buried. “” The text will pass. You will then have to live with … or overthrow it. »
Bercy targeted, the Marginalized Ministry of Health
In this crisis, criticism clearly targets Bercy. “” They apply the terminal report to the letter: reduction of the cost of the drug chain, abolition of margins, industrial refocusing “, Dencouss Philippe Besset. “” They want fewer pharmacies, fewer services, less proximity. »
« It is a purely budgetary vision, which denies the public health function of the pharmacy Also explains Pierre-Olivier Variot. “” They prepare to ruin the territorial network. »
Philippe Besset also points a break: ” This is the first time that the Ministry of Health has also been inaudible. He tried to plead our cause, but did not get anything. »
The counter-fire is organized for the fall
« The only option now is to change government “, Smarts Philippe Besset. “” The 20-20 will be in the decree. It will take a new Prime Minister to come back on it. Clearly: unions are now targeting the parliamentary debate in the fall to influence the trajectory.
Pierre-Olivier Variot announces a coordinated union action plan this summer with strikes and strong actions. The latter will continue at the start of the school year: ” We will mobilize elected officials, patients, associations, and ask the question of network financing in public debate. We cannot accept that pharmacists alone finance France’s deficit. »
In the meantime, the losses promise to be heavy
The sector is entering a turbulence area. “” The groups will review their purchasing strategy, the laboratories will adapt their commercial policies, and the pharmacies will take the losses this summer, ”sums up Philippe Besset. “We will give you the precise figures, but it will be several hundred million euros. »
The USPO shares the observation. “” This decision will have systemic effects: on cash, employment, on the attractiveness of the profession. And it weakens pharmacies even more in fragile areas. The effects of 20-20 will not be seen in a day, but they are certain. »
