This civil disturbance risk advisory evaluates the ongoing pharmacists’ strike across France, starting 27 September 2025. It incorporates union declarations, past healthcare strikes, and sectoral impact assessments to support employee safety, business continuity, and contingency planning.
What is Risk Analysis in the Context of Civil Disturbance?
Civil disturbance risk assessments examine how disruptions such as strikes, protests, and sectoral agitations affect personnel safety, public services, and operational continuity. These analyses aid in crafting strategic responses for health-sensitive services and large-scale industrial movements that challenge public policy frameworks.
Executive Summary: Moderate Risk
- Date of Incident: 27 September 2025
- Location: Paris, France (Nationwide Impact)
- Risk Category: Civil Disturbance
- Severity Score: 3/5
- Confidence Level: 85%
French pharmacists’ unions have announced full Saturday closures of pharmacies from 27 September, escalating industrial action related to generic medicine rebates and funding models. The strike, projected to last 2–4 months, is expected to moderately disrupt access to healthcare and some business operations. Emergency pharmacies will remain operational, but recurring disruption could compound sectoral pressure.
Known Hotspots and Sensitive Areas
- Urban Centers: Paris, Lyon, Marseille (concentration of pharmacies and public health dependency)
- Densely populated residential zones and central hospital-adjacent areas
- Likely protest zones in Paris: Place de la République, Place Denfert-Rochereau, Ministry of Health vicinity
Impact on Transportation and Services
- Transport: Minimal direct disruption, though longer travel times may be needed to reach emergency pharmacies. Potential for localized demonstrations causing diversions near key protest areas
- Healthcare & Public Services: Delayed access to medicines, especially for chronic patients. Additional burden on emergency rooms and general practitioners. Increased patient load on operational pharmacies
- Utilities and IT: No expected damage or disruption to core infrastructure. Communication systems remain functional for emergency services
Recommended Actions
- Communicate proactively about Saturday closures and locate ‘pharmacies de garde’
- Support employees with essential medication requirements
- Review and adapt business continuity plans, especially those dependent on pharmacy services
- Monitor public health advisories and union updates
- Establish internal points of contact for medication-related support
Emergency Contacts
• Police: 17
• Fire Department: 18
• Ambulance: 15
• National Emergency: 112
• Ministry of Health (Twitter): @MinSante
• Official Website: service-public.fr
Final Thoughts
While the pharmacist strike appears sector-specific and peaceful, the duration and recurring nature pose medium-term risks to public access and employee welfare. Should the agitation escalate or gain cross-sector support, impact could broaden. Early communication, proactive planning, and continuous monitoring are key to managing these disruptions effectively.
Stay ahead of operational risks with real-time alerts, scenario modeling, and expert advisories. Start your 14-day free trial of Datasurfr’s Risk Intelligence Platform today.
MitKat helps organisations navigate uncertain times by providing comprehensive insights about the evolving risk landscape. We offer various services including Risk consulting and Security Design, Protective Services, and cyber security services which ensure organisations become Risk Intelligent. Our AI-powered operational risk monitoring tool, datasurfr combined with expert insight enables companies to stay abreast of evolving operational risks and emerging developments.