Tapio Heilala, the pharmacist at Porvoon Vanha Apteekki, disclosed the hardships his pharmacy has been facing, noting that it incurred approximately 50,000 euros in losses last year. To manage costs and sustain the business, Heilala has been putting in an extraordinary amount of effort, working 50 to 70 hours each week and dedicating 49 weekends to his pharmacy. This intense work schedule illustrates the challenging circumstances under which many pharmacies in Finland, including his, are operating.

According to Fimea, the Finnish Medicines Agency, the situation isn't unique to Heilala's pharmacy; nearly 117 pharmacies are expected to struggle to meet profitability criteria due to recent legislative changes. These changes have posed additional financial burdens, pushing several pharmacies into the red and prompting concerns about long-term sustainability in the sector. The law reform appears to have critical implications for pharmacy operations, impacting not just profits but also the availability of services to patients and communities they serve.

Heilala expressed his frustration by highlighting the disparity in the media's coverage of successful pharmacists compared to those like him who are struggling. He urged for attention to be directed towards the less fortunate pharmacists who are grappling with operational challenges. Illustrating his point, he reiterated the need for a narrative shift in the reporting on the pharmacy sector in Finland to encompass the diverse realities faced by pharmacists across the country, particularly those working tirelessly to keep their doors open despite significant economic challenges.