attacks on pharmacists have increased sharply over the past four years

Yorick Berger’s pharmacy is located in a quiet Parisian district. Nevertheless, in 2022, iHe claims to have been assaulted on several occasions. “Aggression after a robbery, aggression after a person who insults, intimidation and threats in the evening. It becomes weeklytheregoe“says the pharmacist. In January 2022, a person who felt that he was not being served quickly enough To overturned the display. Two months later, he had to face a drug addict who wanted to steal drugs.

Assaults up 17% in four years

Physical and verbal attacks increased by 17% compared to 2019, just before the health crisis which changed patient behavior. “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”says Beatrice Clairaz, pharmacist. The recent drug shortage has also heightened tensions. The Order of Pharmacists asks that professionals are no longer in direct contact with patients the night.