The new deregulated opening times for pharmacies, which can now stay open on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday evenings, will go into effect from Tuesday.
Pharmacists are opposed to the new opening times and their associations in Attica and Piraeus have responded with a mobilisation, while they will also refuse to give prescription drugs on credit to those insured by 15 social insurance funds.
A ministerial decree signed by Health Minister Andreas Loverdos last month allows all pharmacists to stay open on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday evening, provided that they have promptly informed their local association.
Pharmacists are prepared to draw up timetables where 30 percent of pharmacists' will be open on Monday evening, 30 percent on Wednesday evening and 30 percent on Saturday evening.
The nationwide pharmacists association has filed a suit with the Council of State, asking for the minister's decision to be revoked.
