Hundreds of pharmacists throughout the country called a protest and their pharmacies remain closed today.

They are protesting against the introduction of four new systems following the new European rules regarding the sale of medicines from 10 February. These are the European regulations on the verification of medicines and monitoring of the re-export of drugs, the introduction of new software for the National Revenue Agency system, as well as the introduction of electronic prescriptions.

Their demands are for financial support from the state  - the planning and creation of real financial instruments - that will help pharmacies introduce the electronic systems, as well as for a national medicines policy. Pharmacists are also demanding equal access for all Bulgarian citizens to pharmacy services are care. 

Patient organizations say that patients, especially in small towns and villages, will be the only ones affected by the protests.