The nationalist independence and sovereignty movement has seized the administrative court of New Caledonia for a summary proceeding on July 30. It contests the new provisions taken by the South province regarding free medical assistance.
Following the concerns of the Federation of Liberal Health Professionals and the attacks from Calédonie Ensemble, the MNIS is also mobilizing against the recent decisions made by the South province concerning free medical assistance.
The nationalist independence and sovereignty movement specifically contests the new provisions regarding co-payments. That is, the increase in the co-payment which rises from 10% to 20% for the majority of beneficiaries of free medical assistance, and the creation of a co-payment of 10% for patients with long-term illnesses. “We have initiated a summary suspension procedure. This means we will ask the administrative court to suspend the measures,” specifies Me Franckie Dihace, the lawyer for the MNIS, who is summoned to a hearing on August 26.
On paper, the new measures from the South province were supposed to come into effect on August 1. But in reality, the patients concerned by AMG must pay all health expenses upfront, since this medical assistance, even with these new provisions, is temporarily suspended.
The South province has, however, reverted some of its decisions. The community is resuming the payment for medicines for all beneficiaries of AMG. And people with disabilities, in health facilities, benefiting from social assistance, as well as war veterans, are still exempt from fees.
As for patients with long-term illnesses, once the medical assistance resumes, they will have to pay a 10% co-payment only for consultations, home visits, and medical transportation (ambulances). Other expenses, such as dialysis, pharmacies, or cancer treatments will still be covered at 100%.
It should be noted that this creation of a 10% co-payment will indeed apply to pregnant women and children under three years old.
