Panser la pharmacie association formed

Panser la pharmacie is an association created by members of the Pharmaceutical Intervention Community (CIP) to advocate for a shift in the pharmacy profession, focusing on public health, prevention, and patient care, rather than a model driven by commercial interests. The group, with around thirty members, was launched last summer through a membership campaign and aims to represent pharmacists at the national level.

Current remuneration model criticized

Pharmacists argue that the current payment system, which is based on the volume of products sold, favors pharmacies with higher sales, without adequately recognizing the quality of care provided. This model puts small pharmacies, especially in remote areas, at a disadvantage, as they struggle to compete with larger chains.

Pharmacists' skills underutilized

Pharmacists believe their expertise is not fully used in areas like analyzing treatments, preventing medication risks, and monitoring chronic patients. They argue that access to biological data is crucial to ensure the appropriate use of medications but that they often lack this information. They also see potential in adjusting antibiotic use based on such data, within defined guidelines.

Access to biological data requested

The association supports access to biological analyses needed for proper medication management and the ability to prescribe these tests when they are missing. However, they emphasize that pharmacists should not replace doctors for diagnosis or clinical exams. Their goal is to ensure patient safety and reduce unnecessary medical visits that only involve a biological check.

New tasks without proper consultation

Pharmacists are being assigned new roles, such as vaccine prescriptions and first aid care, but these decisions are often made without consulting them. They argue that their time is partially consumed by commercial tasks and non-care-related duties. They suggest that fatigue and a loss of purpose highlight a misalignment of priorities, and that the work should be reorganized rather than simply adding more responsibilities.

Need for equal representation

The association calls for employed pharmacists to be included in discussions at the same level as pharmacy owners, as they share the same qualifications and professional responsibilities. However, owner unions are currently the main point of contact for institutions. The group argues that employed pharmacists, who interact directly with patients, understand the challenges at the counter and can offer practical suggestions.

Economic model questioned

The association challenges the current economic model, which prioritizes profitability through high sales volumes and promotions over quality of care. They argue that a different organization is possible if priorities are revised, suggesting that time spent on marketing could be redirected toward patient support and core pharmacy duties.

Pharmacy's evolving role

The association believes that while delivery of medications will remain important, pharmacies must also play a role in prevention, proper use of treatments, and guiding patients. In areas with few doctors, pharmacies can serve as accessible contact points. However, they stress that this should not turn pharmacies into medical offices but rather recognize their role in primary care.

Improved coordination needed

Effective coordination between healthcare professionals requires better sharing of medical information and appropriate digital tools. Current compartmentalization makes it difficult to follow up on patients. Each professional should be able to act within their area of expertise without claiming undue authority over others.

Three priorities for the future

The association identifies three key priorities for the pharmacy profession over the next decade: placing public health at the center of pharmacy work, allowing pharmacists to fully use their skills, and evolving the profession’s representation. This involves strengthening prevention, securing treatment access, improving digital tools, and ensuring employed pharmacists are included in discussions about the profession’s future. The goal is to align the pharmacy’s future with patient needs and professional expertise, rather than commercial interests.