France, Aug. 15 -- Pharmacists across France are staging a one-day protest on Saturday, warning that government cuts to generic drug discounts could spell the end for many of their businesses.

Nine out of 10 pharmacies are set to close their doors in protest, under the slogan:"Close for a day so we don't have to close forever."

Pharmacists are warning thatgovernment plans to slash commercial discounts on generic medicines could have devastating consequences for their businesses - and worsen drug shortages.

According to the Union of Pharmacy Trade Unions (Uspo), 92 percent of French pharmacies plan to stay closed on 16 August.

"In many areas, 100 percent of pharmacies will be closed," the union reported, citing a survey of 4,500 pharma...