Pharmacists' strike in Mallorca faces legal complications
The planned closure of pharmacies in Mallorca from Friday, in protest at non-payment by the regional government's health department, is facing legal complications. Pharmacists risk huge fines, of up to 90,000 euros, if they fail to dispense prescriptions or provide out-of-hours facilities.
IB Salut, the regional health authority, defaulted on payments for the months of May and June leaving an estimated 36 million euros unpaid across the island. Chemists have threatened to close for an undetermined period from the 29th July as a means of putting pressure on the government body.
The strike is still expected to go ahead although pharmacists claim the impact will be minimised as a result of the legal obligations.
