Only 39 of Belgrade’s former 123 public pharmacies remain open as pay delays return

Belgrade’s publicly owned pharmacy network, Apoteka Beograd, remains in a prolonged financial and operational crisis. According to Radio Belgrade, in a report published by RTS on 3 November 2026, just 39 of the network’s former 123 pharmacy outlets are still operating. Employees are once again waiting for three months of overdue pay.

Access to medicines and staff uncertainty

Pharmacists interviewed by the broadcaster warned that further contraction of the public network could affect access to medicines and professional advice, especially for older residents and neighbourhoods where private operators have less commercial incentive to open a branch. Those comments express professional concern, not a confirmed forecast that all remaining pharmacies will close.

Residents should check whether their intended branch is open, confirm its hours and ask about medicine availability before travelling. Older directories of Apoteka Beograd outlets should not be treated as a reliable list of currently operating premises.

The outstanding wages, the status of staff and the future organisation of public pharmacy services depend on decisions by the city and other competent authorities. As the RTS report makes clear, clearing a backlog of wages would not by itself resolve the underlying operating problems.

Source: Radio Belgrade / RTS, 3 November 2026

Serbian original

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