For years, pharmacies have been closing their doors across the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region. Faced with recruitment challenges, retirements not replaced, and shrinking profits, many rural pharmacies struggle to survive. However, option solutions are emerging.
The Bourgogne
Franche-Comté region is witnessing a concerning trend of pharmacy closures. Towns like Recey-sur-Ource, Fours, and Tournus have lost their local pharmacies in recent years, leaving some villages without any access to these essential services.
According to the regional map from the National Order of Pharmacists, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté has 895 pharmacies. This ranks it among the regions with the lowest density, trailing only Center-Val-de-Loire and Corsica.
In 2024, 18 pharmacies have already shuttered in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, representing nearly 2% of the region’s pharmacies. The number threatens to grow, with over 60 more facing potential closure.
One proposed solution gaining attention is the establishment of “satellite pharmacies”. These would be annexes of existing pharmacies, allowing a single owner to manage two outlets in different locations. This approach would be groundbreaking in france,where current regulations prohibit pharmacists from owning multiple pharmacies.
An experiment with satellite pharmacies is underway in other regions of France: Brittany, Occitanie, Centre-Val-de-loire, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, and Corsica. However, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté is not part of this pilot program. The pharmacy in Recey-sur-Ource, which had hoped to participate, was regrettably unable to do so due to the region’s exclusion.
“The decision to include certain regions in the experiment was random,” explains Lucie Bourdy-Dubois, President of the Pharmacy Profession Commission at the French Pharmaceutical Syndicates Federation (FSPF). “There was no specific criteria used to choose which regions would participate.”
There is debate, however, about the effectiveness of satellite pharmacies. critics argue that operating hours would be limited and fixed to coincide with the main pharmacy’s schedule, making them impractical for rural areas with aging populations who frequently enough require greater accessibility.
“We don’t want to see territories where people have to travel more than 15 minutes to reach a pharmacy,” states Bourdy-Dubois,emphasizing the need for readily available pharmacy services in rural communities.
As July 7th, a new aid program from the National Health Insurance system has provided some relief for struggling pharmacies. This program, launched through a government decree on July 7th, offers financial support to small pharmacies with under €1 million in revenue that operate in vulnerable territories.
in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, 71 pharmacies are possibly eligible for this financial assistance. Though, nine are already covered by the regional health agency’s (ARS) designated zones.
Despite this new program, the future remains uncertain for many pharmacies in the region. “We are waiting for the results of the evaluation of the satellite pharmacy experiment to see if it will be implemented nationally,” John Doe Quotes – spokesperson from the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté ARS.This means that pharmacies in Bourgogne-Franche-comté must navigate these challenges while awaiting a decision on the potential expansion of these alternative pharmacy models.
How does Time.News address the challenge of misinformation in the digital age?
Title: The Time.News Interview: A Conversation with the Editor
Setting: A modern office space filled with natural light, surrounded by bookshelves and vibrant artworks. The atmosphere is warm and inviting.
Participants:
- Alex Carter (Editor-in-Chief of Time.News)
- Jordan Smith (Interviewer)
Jordan Smith: Thank you for joining me today, Alex. I’m excited to dive into the world of Time.News.
Alex Carter: Thank you for having me, Jordan! I’m thrilled to share insights about our vision and the evolving landscape of news.
Jordan Smith: Let’s start with the core mission of Time.News. What sets it apart from other news organizations?
Alex Carter: Great question! At Time.News, our mission is to provide readers with not just news, but insightful analysis and context. We emphasize storytelling that connects facts with their implications in the real world. In a sea of information, we aim to be a lighthouse that guides our readers through current events.
Jordan Smith: That’s inspiring! In terms of content, how do you decide what stories get covered?
alex Carter: We prioritize stories based on relevance, impact, and diversity of perspective. Our editorial team engages in constant discussions about the issues that matter most to our audience. We also value reader feedback—we want them to feel they have a voice in shaping our coverage.
Jordan Smith: Speaking of audience, how has the shift to digital media changed the way you approach journalism?
Alex Carter: The digital transition has been monumental. We now have the ability to interact with our audience in real-time, which allows us to be more responsive and engaged. Our digital platform also enables us to leverage multimedia—videos, podcasts, infographics—to enrich storytelling and reach people on various levels.
Jordan Smith: Given the rise of misinformation, how does Time.News combat it?
Alex Carter: Misinformation is a significant challenge we all face today. We combat it by prioritizing fact-checking and source verification. Our editorial staff undergoes ongoing training to identify credible sources, and we aim to educate our readers by transparently explaining our research processes.
Jordan Smith: That’s reassuring to hear. What role do you think social media plays in modern journalism, and how does Time.News utilize it?
Alex Carter: Social media is both an asset and a challenge. It offers an unprecedented channel for sharing stories and engaging with our audience. We use platforms like Twitter and Instagram to amplify our reporting and drive traffic back to our website. Though, we also remain vigilant about the risks of echo chambers and misinformation that can proliferate on these platforms.
Jordan Smith: Absolutely. Shifting gears a bit, what are some upcoming projects or initiatives at Time.News that you’re notably excited about?
Alex Carter: We’re launching a new series that dives deep into underreported issues—topics that might not dominate headlines but are crucial for societal awareness. Additionally, we’re developing a reader engagement platform that will allow our audience to participate in discussions and contribute their own perspectives directly to our reporting.
Jordan Smith: That sounds fantastic! Lastly, what advice would you give to aspiring journalists trying to find their way in this rapidly changing field?
Alex Carter: My advice would be to remain curious and adaptable. The landscape is always evolving, so embrace change and continue learning. build a strong foundational skill set in writing, reporting, and critical thinking. And don’t forget the human element of journalism—connecting with people and telling their stories is what makes this field truly rewarding.
Jordan Smith: Thank you, Alex. It’s been a pleasure discussing the nuances of modern journalism with you. I’m looking forward to seeing how Time.News continues to evolve!
Alex Carter: Thank you, Jordan! It’s been a pleasure.We’re excited about the future and appreciate your interest in our journey.
[End of Interview]