Pharmacies in France avoid autumn strike after new government deal

Pharmacists have called off planned autumn strike action following an agreement with the government over commercial discounts and support for the sector.

They had previously protested on September 18 and in August. Indeed, some pharmacists had been on strike since June, particularly those working in emergency pharmacies.

The industrial action has put a spotlight on the importance of pharmacies in local communities. 

In France, an average of four million people go to the pharmacy every day. Any local pharmacy that is not located within a medical establishment is called an officine de ville (town dispensary). 

There are 22,000 pharmacies of this type in France and they are tightly regulated, offering a far broader range of services than you might realise.

Each pharmacy is run by a head pharmacist, generally supported by deputy pharmacists and pharmaceutical assistants. 

It takes six years of study to qualify as a pharmacien d’officine, and many have additional certificates in nutrition, homeopathy and aromatherapy. 

Their primary role is to dispense medication prescribed by a GP and to offer over-the-counter medication such as paracetamol, allergy relief and laxatives.

Prescribing

Since June 2024, the majority of qualified pharmacists have been allowed to carry out rapid diagnosis tests (tests rapides d’orientation diagnostique) for throat infections and for cystitis. If a test is positive, the pharmacist can dispense the recommended antibiotic.

If, over the past two to five years, you have been prescribed medication to treat minor ailments such as urinary infections, eczema, cold sores and hayfever, a qualified pharmacist can issue a new prescription. 

They can also extend a prescription (prolonger une ordonnance) if you cannot get a doctor’s appointment in time, and modify a prescription to avoid side effects or to improve effectiveness. 

Check-ups

In January 2024, the health service started offering a free medical check-up called mon bilan prévention, available through pharmacies, nurses and midwives as well as GPs. 

It takes about 45 minutes, with the medical professional checking your health and lifestyle to identify risk factors then provide you with a personalised prevention plan. This can include advice on health screenings, vaccines or further consultations.

Pharmacists are also allowed to both prescribe and administer vaccines to anyone aged 11-plus, including vaccinations for Covid-19, flu, diphtheria, tetanus, rabies, polio, HPV and whooping cough. This can avoid getting a doctor’s appointment for the prescription, then a second appointment with a nurse to administer the vaccine.

Tests and support

Your pharmacist can prescribe certain medical tests then help you understand the results, which can be particularly useful for ongoing conditions such as diabetes. They also offer support for anyone who wants to stop smoking, as part of the national arrêt du tabac programme.

Pharmacists can demonstrate how to carry out a self-examination for breast cancer, and explain the results of a mammogram or other regular screenings. They can take time to explain the potential risk factors for various illnesses, for which you might not feel able to ask your GP.

The pharmacy is also the place to access equipment such as wheelchairs, crutches or hospital-style beds, as well as wrist supports, back braces and other gadgets to help you heal from an injury. 

Finally, if you have medication that is no longer needed or past its use-by date, do not throw it away: instead, drop it off at your pharmacy where it can be recycled or disposed of safely.