PODCAST. Collioure and Port-Vendres lack doctors: pharmacies are helping to treat six minor pathologies

Collioure et Port-Vendres manquent de médecins. MAXPPP – imagebroker

Les habitants de Collioure et Port-Vendres manquent de médecins. Depuis le 1er janvier 2024, leurs pharmacies peuvent prendre en charge six pathologies légères, une bonne nouvelle pour ceux qui nous racontent leurs difficultés à obtenir des rendez-vous. 

Faced with the shortage of doctors, pharmacists are coming to the rescue and can, in 40 towns in Occitanie, treat six minor pathologies. They tell us about their difficulties, between waiting times that are too long or distances to the offices which are getting longer.

Overloaded cabinets

There are three doctors in Collioure, two of whom will retire soon. Without dentists or other specialists, the city is deserted by health professionals. All that remains is his pharmacy.

Selected to experiment with the treatment of six mild pathologies, (cystitis, tonsillitis, first degree burns, shallow wounds, conjunctivitis and tick bites), it will soon be able to welcome patients – as soon as all its pharmacists are trained. 

Three possible supports

Three supports are offered. The first, if the patient does not need a consultation with the general practitioner: it is the pharmacist who offers treatment or care. nbsp;the patient 48 hours later to ensure that the treatment worked well. 

Second option, if the patient suffers from a more serious pathology: he is referred to a doctor. Finally, if the patient's ailments are more severe: the pharmacist advises referral to emergency services.

Also read: Urinary infection and angina: pharmacy screening tests and antibiotics without a prescription from 2024

Certain patients, due to their age or pre-existing health problems, will be automatically referred to a general practitioner.