Tele-service outage ongoing

On October 29, several tele-services operated by Amelipro remained inaccessible, continuing an interruption that had already lasted several days. Among the affected services is Asafo-Pharma, a tool designed to help pharmacists detect counterfeit prescriptions.

Concerns over financial penalties

The unavailability of Asafo-Pharma has raised concerns that pharmacists might face financial penalties for failing to use a tool they cannot access. Fabrice Camaioni, a representative of the Federation of French Pharmaceutical Unions (FSPF), warned that the FSPF would be particularly vigilant to ensure pharmacists are not charged extra fees for this reason.

Criticism of the tool’s design

Despite multiple updates, Asafo-Pharma continues to face criticism. Fabrice Camaioni stated that the tool remains insufficiently adapted to the daily realities of pharmacy work. The FSPF is calling for the Social Security to improve its design by involving pharmacists directly in the process.

Challenges in identifying counterfeit drugs

Pharmacists also report difficulties in identifying counterfeit prescriptions, which are now so well-made that even alert professionals struggle. The FSPF is requesting better support for pharmacy teams to address this growing challenge.

Doubts about the system’s reliability

Pierre-Olivier Variot, president of the Union of Office Pharmacists' Unions (USPO), expressed skepticism about Asafo-Pharma’s effectiveness. He stated that he does not use the tool, preferring a system developed by his regional health agency, which he finds more reliable.

Shared demand for no added costs

Despite their differing views on the tool itself, both the FSPF and USPO agree that the shortcomings of Social Security-provided tools should not result in additional costs for pharmacies.