Pharmacies to Non-pharmacists

Removal of the monopoly on the sale of medicines without prescription, opening the capital of pharmacies to non-pharmacists, challenged a limitation on the number of facilities by population ... In recommending to deregulate the pharmacy, like taxis, the committee Attali led to a lifting of the shields 23000 French pharmacies. 5000 pharmacies disappear? Since then, Nicolas Sarkozy has flown to their rescue, refusing to end their monopoly and emphasizing the public service mission of the profession. But the party is far from won. The prospect that one day, as in Britain or the United States, of Chain Drug Stores owned by hypermarkets or investors affole occupation. This scenario seems all the more credible that the European Commission in March 2007, has already warned the french government to liberalize the market. For the moment, France is still suspended. Brussels has already prosecuted other countries like Germany and Italy before the Court of Justice of the European Communities. His decision is eagerly awaited. "If France were ever to accept liberalization, it would be important that it be controlled to ensure patient safety and not to return, as in some countries, medicines," worried Françoise Grossetête MEP . While the consumer would gain in purchasing power. The Leclerc, Auchan or Parashop and their chains parapharmacies are ready. "Each of our spaces health beauty is maintained by a degree in pharmacy," says Vincent Wanert, Auchan and home buyer himself pharmacist. But this market opening could cause, according to some experts, a public health problem. Some pharmacists already worry that the sale of non-prescription medicines - those who are placed in front of the counters - does accidents related to overdose. Reorganization of business If the lock jumps, more importantly, the number of dispensaries are clearly threatened. "We could see the loss of about 5000 of them if the capital was freed pharmacies, especially in the downtown areas of major cities," calculates Emmanuel Sève, director of studies at the institute Précepta. Aware of the danger, professionals have responded and propose a reorganization of their work in a White Paper published by the order. Already, agencies come together, especially in the countryside. "If there is more than a doctor and that the population is declining, the pharmacy will close its doors," Yves feared Trouillet, president of the Association of Rural Pharmacy. The other strategy is to develop new services: assistance continued hospitalization home delivery of drugs at home and, more importantly, therapeutic consultations, as in Canada. "The pharmacist could adapt the treatment of patients return for a fee, which would represent up to 10% of its revenues," suggests John Parrot, president of the National Order of Pharmacists. "By providing services," says Emmanuel Sanskrit, the practitioner disconnects its margin from the sale of drugs. " Comment from Julien Chauvin, pharmacist Tours 32 years: "It will be released with a good service and a good purchasing policy. But we must not seek short-term profit."