Accelerating Pharmacy Closures in France: Analysis and Solutions

French pharmacies are facing a rapid increase in their closures. In 2023, 276 pharmacies closed their doors, compared to 171 in 2022, bringing the total number of pharmacies to less than 20,000 for the first time, with 19,966 pharmacies remaining (Le Moniteur des pharmacie.fr) (Capital.fr).

Causes of Closures

1. Economic difficulties : Pharmacies, especially independent pharmacies and those located in rural areas, are facing reduced profit margins on reimbursable medicines. Competition from supermarkets and online pharmacies aggravates this situation by attracting a significant part of their customers. In ten years, the France has lost nearly 2,000 pharmacies, from 21,781 in 2013 to 19,966 in 2023 (Le Moniteur des pharmacie.fr) (Capital.fr).
2. Staff shortage : The profession suffers from a severe shortage of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians. The number of students entering this field has decreased, making it difficult for pharmacists to take over. According to the Federation of Pharmaceutical Unions of France (FSPF), about 15,000 positions are vacant, representing 10% of the necessary workforce (Capital.fr).
3. Lack of buyers : Many pharmacists who are close to retirement cannot find successors, especially in small municipalities. This situation leads to permanent closures, as young pharmacists are often reluctant to take over pharmacies in sparsely populated areas (Revue Pharma).
4. Changing Consumer Habits : The rise of online pharmacies and large chains has led to a decrease in the number of visits to small pharmacies. This trend has been accentuated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has changed consumers' purchasing habits (La Dépêche).

Impact on the Compensal Network

Pharmacy closures are seriously affecting the pharmacy network, which is essential for access to care, particularly in rural areas. About 5,000 pharmacies are the only ones in their municipality, and their disappearance could create pharmaceutical deserts, forcing residents to travel long distances to obtain medicines and health advice (Le Moniteur des pharmacie.fr) (Revue Pharma). For example, in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, 53 so-called "essential" pharmacies have been identified as being in a fragile situation, threatening to disappear within 4 to 5 years (Revue Pharma).

Solutions & Perspectives

To counter this worrying trend, several measures can be implemented:

1. Financial Incentives : It is crucial to introduce advantageous tax schemes for rural pharmacies, such as tax and levy exemptions for buyers. These measures could attract new pharmacists to disadvantaged areas (Revue Pharma).
2. Training Support : Encouraging young people to choose pharmaceutical studies through scholarships and awareness campaigns can help fill the shortage of skilled personnel. In addition, continuing education programs could help practicing pharmacists diversify their skills (Capital.fr).
3. Diversification of services : Pharmacies must diversify their services to attract and retain a wider customer base. For example, offering health consultations, vaccinations and screenings can transform pharmacies into primary care centres (La Dépêche). Between 2019 and 2023, sales of reimbursable medicines increased by 7.5% in value, although the volume decreased by 3% (Capital.fr).
4. Transition Assistance : Setting up subsidies and training in business management for young pharmacists who take over can facilitate the transfer of pharmacies. Support programmes for the sale of pharmacies could also be developed (Le Moniteur des pharmacie.fr).
5. Strengthening Support Policies : Legislators should strengthen policies to support pharmacies, including by increasing drug reimbursement rates and offering specific subsidies for pharmacies in difficulty (Capital.fr).

The current situation of pharmacies in France is critical, but with appropriate measures and increased support, it is possible to stabilize and revitalize this sector essential to public health.

For more information, see the articles in Revue Pharma and Capital (Le Moniteur des pharmacie.fr) (Revue Pharma).

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