pharmacists start antigen testing strike over lower prices

In a pharmacy in Saint-Etienne (Loire), Wednesday April 6, there are no more antigenic tests until further notice. Pharmacists refer patients to other professionals for testing at Covid-19. In question : the government’s decision to lower the remuneration of pharmacies. They are paid 16.50 euros per antigenic test, against 25 euros at the start of the year. A decision experienced as an injustice by pharmacists.

To cope with the health crisis, pharmacists have sometimes had to recruit additional staff and invest. Overall, patients understand this strike, although some believe that pharmacies have also been able to increase their turnover during the crisis. The tests cost very Dear to thehealth insurance : one billion euros in December 2021 alone. In the Loire, according to professional organizations, two thirds of pharmacies would follow the screening strike.