Bulgarian pharmacists are launching Monday gradual protests across the country over the Bill for Medical Products, passed by the cabinet on April 20.

The pharmaceutical workers are also outraged about the lack of transparency in the management of the national medication policy.

The decision to protest was made at the emergency meeting of the Managing Council of the Bulgarian Pharmacists Union (BFS) on April 27, 2011.

Pharmacies across the country will close for up to two hours at the time, while regional branches of BFS are deciding which pharmacies will close when in order to not violate patients' rights.

BFS insist that amendments in the law must be passed only after being discussed with them and are firmly against the one providing people without pharmaceutical degrees can work in pharmacies.

The Union also opposes the elimination of the Supreme Pharmaceutical Council from the issuing of permits for medication retail.