attacks against pharmacists on the rise

Defusing tense situations has become a reflex for this pharmacist from Hauts-de-Seine. According to her, the health crisis has left its mark. “During the Covid crisis, the rules for dispensing medication were relaxed (…). Today we are in a normal rhythm, and the patients do not understand it“, specifies Béatrice Clairaz, pharmacist. The latest figures are alarming: 366 assaults reported in 2022, an increase of 17% in four years.

The Order of Pharmacists calls for less physical contact with customers

Pharmacist for 16 years, Léna Montaletang has seen acts of violence increase over the past three years. Last month, she refused to dispense medication and the situation escalated. “It immediately started with insults (…) we got together to put her out“, she explains.

The Order of Pharmacists asks to limit physical contact with customers. “It’s necessary that they have at least one guard lock”, emphasizes Alain Marcillac, safety referent of the National Order of Pharmacists. According to the Order’s report, 44% of pharmacists do not file a complaint out of discouragement or fear of reprisals.