2023-08-20 03:30:23
Doctor Jean-Marie Franques is not surprised that people can ask him his age. “It’s a health data like any other”, he smiles. Since the opening, on June 5, of the Albi health center, where he took up residence – and even “returned” to his quarters, following a year of retirement – this 70-year-old general practitioner, including forty-three of medicine and thirty to practice as a liberal in a neighboring town, it is difficult to escape the question: he is one of the youngest to have put on the white coat in this care center inaugurated under the arcades of rue de la Porte-Neuve . One of those who, within the Association of Retired Doctors of Albigensian (AMRA), carried the project.
This last Wednesday of July, he continues the consultations: “You are never as good as the day you retire, with experiencehe slips between two patients. And, believe me, the year 1953 is an excellent year…” It is not the doctor Pierre Le Tinnier, same age, who would prove him wrong: “We are a very united generation, we help each other out, we replaces, we owe it to the patients. »
Since 8:30 a.m., the two GPs have shared the brand new premises and consultations. The patients are a little less than forty to present themselves, each day, by appointment or at the three free slots offered in the morning. Angina, virus, sprain and others “little wounds” : the evils of summer invite themselves into the waiting room. “The pressure is constant”reports Dr. Franques.
They are nine retired doctors in total to have volunteered to provide shifts in four-hour increments. Four are on leave, the others follow one another, always in pairs in the two offices of the establishment, if possible by half-day even if the whole day is essential, sometimes. The consultation hour is remunerated at 50 euros net; third-party payment applies to patients. “Wes had no difficulty in recruiting, the order sends back to us the colleagues who are leaving, explains Doctor Yves Carcaillet, 74, president of AMRA. Of course we wouldn’t do that for nothing, but the financial argument is not primary; we want to serve first. At the start of the school year, wes there should be a dozen to take turns. And I don’t put an age limit… as long as you’re in good shape! »
“Not enough facilities”
The tone is light; the observation is not: in the Tarn, more than 40,000 inhabitants insured under the general scheme do not have a attending physician. In Albi, they are at leasts 5,000 of the 50,000 inhabitants; a ratio close to the national average, but which might increase if nothing is done. The main town in the department had, not long ago, 55 GPs; a third are, like him, retired in 2022, reports Dr. Carcaillet or are preparing to do so. “ Given the age pyramid, a whole generation is leaving, and there are not enough facilities. »
You have 69.46% of this article left to read. The following is for subscribers only.
1692525576
