Pharmacists in France have called a strike to draw attention to drug shortages and pay

Pharmacists in France have gone on strike, closing up to 90 percent of pharmacies, demanding the government focus on drug shortages, tighter online drug control and better pay.

About 90 percent of pharmacies across France were closed Thursday, and pharmacists in the cities of Toulouse, Nice, Angers and Limoges also took to the streets. It was the biggest strike by pharmacists in a decade.

They chanted "Pharmacies are in danger, a threat to health" and "Where is amoxicillin?" Such slogans. Amoxicillin is an antibiotic in short supply.

Their demands include a government plan to deal with drug shortages, better pay and effective regulation of online sales.

As French pharmacies face new challenges from rising costs and industry upheaval, some pharmacists are being given new tasks, such as screening for viruses and vaccinations. In addition, they also worry that with the entry of online platforms such as Amazon into the drug market, it may be too "liberalized" and create unfair competition.