French pharmaceutical unions, along with the association of pharmaceutical laboratories NèreS, have raised concerns about the difficulty many French citizens face in accessing timely medical care. They argue that the long wait times for doctor appointments lead some people to avoid seeking treatment for common health issues. In response, the unions—FSPF and USPO—and NèreS have proposed a list of 33 medications that could be made available without a prescription, but under the guidance of a pharmacist. These medications are already sold over the counter in several European countries, and the group believes making them available in France would improve access to basic healthcare for the public. The proposed list includes treatments for a range of common ailments, such as skin conditions, joint pain, digestive issues, fungal infections, allergies, occasional insomnia, and dental pain. These are conditions that many French people already visit pharmacies for, according to the unions. The 33 medications include treatments for athlete's foot, insect bites, sunburns, eczema, and dandruff. The proposal emphasizes patient safety, with pharmacists being responsible for assessing symptoms and referring individuals to a doctor if necessary. The unions also highlight the potential financial benefits of their proposal for France’s Social Security system. They estimate that making these medications available without a prescription could save 177 million euros in medication costs and around 200 million euros in medical consultation fees. Fabrice Camaioni, Vice President of the FSPF, explained that pharmacists are already experts in medication but are currently limited in what they can provide. He emphasized that the proposal is based on the experiences of European neighbors and aims to align with real-world needs. Beyond the initial list of 33 medications, the unions have expressed a desire to expand access further, potentially including treatments for conditions such as endometriosis-related pain, conjunctivitis, menopause symptoms, certain sexually transmitted infections, and specific skin conditions like acne and eczema. Their goal is to ensure that pharmacists can play a more prominent role in managing everyday health concerns, reducing the burden on the healthcare system and improving patient care.