Pharmacists walk out over threat
Pharmacists called a 24-hour strike for Tuesday after Health Minister Andreas Lykourentzos rapped them for refusing to give customers medicines on credit and threatened to fully liberalize their sector, which would mean many losing out on privileged trading conditions.
Accusing pharmacists of blackmail, Lykourentzos threatened to fully deregulate the opening times of pharmacies, which would deprive many professionals of the privileged status they enjoy in their local area.
Another move would be the undiscriminating payment of debts owed by the National Organization for Healthcare Provision (EOPYY) to providers, including private clinics and diagnostic centers, not just pharmacists who had been prioritized.
Pharmacists are refusing to give medicines on credit to customers insured with EOPYY until all debts have been settled.
