The diagnosis is unanimous, from generalists to specialists, from interns to substitutes. “The time is crucial for our profession”said eleven organizations in a press release, denouncing a “dismantling of medicine in France and the destruction of our health system”.
All are calling “on strike this Tuesday” as well as “a united demonstration in Paris”from 1 p.m. between the Ministry of Health and the Senate, where a bill on “direct access” to certain paramedics (nurses, physiotherapists, speech therapists) must be examined at the end of the day.
A text that “endangers the health” of the population
A text accused of “to endanger health” Population “bypassing the coordination function of the attending physician”. Even the Order of Physicians was moved by it, pointing out the risk of a “two-tier medicine” and announcing his presence in the procession.
The organizers hope to do better than their January 5 parade, which brought together between 2,300 and 4,000 practitioners, after a previous closure of medical offices during the holidays.
A gauge that could be exceeded, because anger swelled again in early February, when Health Insurance proposed an increase of barely 1.50 euros in the basic consultation – from 25 to 26.50 euros. “A provocation” for the unions, who expect no less than 30 or even 50 euros.
The director of health insurance promised to go “further away” on the occasion of new meetings with the unions this week, but the negotiations supposed to end at the end of the month also stumble on the counterparts requested from the doctors – to take more patients and ensure more guards evenings and weekends.
Requirements assumed by the Minister of Health, François Braun, who says he hears “anger” practitioners, “but also that of the French who cannot find a doctor”.