Signed on June 10, 2024, Amendment 1 to the pharmaceutical agreement introduces several key measures, including the substitution of biosimilars and hybrid drugs at the counter, a new anti-fraud mechanism, support for pharmacies located in underserved areas, as well as some upward adjustments regarding fees, pharmaceutical consultations, on-call duty, and standby duty.

At the PharmagoraPlus trade show, a panel discussion featuring Philippe Besset (FSPF), Marguerite Cazeneuve (CNAM), Bastien Legrand (certified public accountant – FCC, member of groupement ), Ilan Rakotondrainy (ANEPF), and Pierre-Olivier Variot (USPO), moderated by Marie Bonte (editor-in-chief of Le Quotidien du Pharmacien, Groupe Profession Santé), addressed the following question: Will the agreement be able to turn the pharmacy’s finances around?

 

The discussions highlighted an industry at a crossroads, facing major economic challenges but driven by a desire for transformation.

The figures presented by Bastien Legrand speak for themselves: while pharmacy revenue increased in 2024 (a 5.03% change in pre-tax revenue between 2023 and 2024), this growth is primarily driven by high-priced products, while margins continue to shrink in relative terms. Pharmacy profitability is being undermined by rising overhead and personnel costs, as well as declining fees. Smaller pharmacies—those with annual revenue of less than one million euros—are experiencing a drop in their gross operating profit (EBITDA) of more than 11%, compared to a decline limited to just 1% for larger pharmacies.

 

Marguerite Cazeneuve recognised specific challenges faced by small pharmacies.

Marguerite Cazeneuve described situations in which pharmacies serve as the last point of access to healthcare in certain municipalities. To combat the decline in pharmacy coverage, the CNAM included a clause in the amendment providing targeted assistance to pharmacies with annual revenue of less than one million euros that are the only ones remaining in their municipality. The stated goal: to prevent any closures due to economic reasons in these critical areas.

Beyond the economic aspects, the profession is undergoing a profound transformation. Pharmacists are expanding their roles and becoming key players in public health: vaccination, screening, patient support… the profession is evolving rapidly.

The digital and ecological transition is another key area of development. The Digital Ordinance is presented as a tool for combating fraud, while environmental issues are beginning to be integrated into training and daily practice.

 

Ilan Rakotondrainy, representing the students, raised a point of concern.

Although they are aware of the priorities, more than 35% of them report having little or no training in digital tools, highlighting the need to adapt university curricula to the new realities of the profession. He also emphasized the importance of the educational role that every pharmacist must play when hosting a student intern.

Despite the challenges, the sector has demonstrated a remarkable ability to adapt. The commitment to maintaining a dense network of pharmacies, particularly in rural areas, remains a top priority.

The future of pharmacies will depend on their ability to innovate, diversify, and meet the public’s evolving healthcare needs. The transformation is underway, amid economic challenges and professional ambitions.

 

 

To watch the recordings of the talks, visit our mobile app*!

*Replays are available only to 2025 participants.