Pharmacists in Baghdad and Anbar shut pharmacies over professional demands

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Pharmacies in Baghdad and Anbar suspended operations for several hours on Monday after the Iraqi Pharmacists Syndicate called for a timed closure to press a set of professional demands. Patients were not accepted during the designated hours, the syndicate said. Pharmacists are asking the government to include pharmacy faculty graduates in central government hiring and to safeguard the rights of those working in the sector. The syndicate is also seeking revisions to the framework for drug pricing and has objected to certain fees and procedures imposed on pharmacies. The syndicate had previously called on private pharmacies to hold a two-hour strike between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. The group said the action is a first step and that further measures could follow if their demands are not addressed. No further details on next steps were immediately available.