14 Aug 2017

Confusion over pharmacy strike in New Caledonia

9:02 pm on 14 August 2017

There is confusion in New Caledonia over which pharmacies are closed by a strike.

Some pharmacies are charging consumers 20 cents to $1 more per prescription than their contract entitles them to.

Some pharmacies are charging consumers 20 cents to $1 more per prescription than their contract entitles them to. Photo: 123RF

An open-ended strike over pricing agreements was due to begin on Monday, but on Friday it was reported that the strike action was suspended.

Pharmacists might be split as some decided to open on Monday, reportedly triggering long lines for medication.

Last week, the government issued a statement listing a number of pharmacies which were to stay open.

The pharmacies took action after accusing the government of failing to respect pricing agreements.

They said indexation now unilaterally imposed by the government would see a price freeze extended to the end of the year.

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