“We decided to launch in November 2022, during the strike of general practitioners”reports Sandrine Leclercq, deputy mayor of Sillans-la-Cascade, in charge of social affairs. “It was Medadom, the provider of the terminal, who contacted us. We thought it would be a good way since we no longer have a doctor in the town.”
An alternative that costs 258 euros per month to the municipality. “Nevertheless, she has not yet met her audience”deplores the elected, night nurse in the emergency room of the Draguignan hospital. “Since its installation, seven people, helped by the reception staff of the town hall, have been able to benefit from the .”
A mixed record
Sandrine Leclercq, deputy mayor of Sillans-la-Cascade, in charge of social affairs next to the terminal.Photo J. P..
A derisory figure whose origins are clearly identified for the health professional. “The town hall’s schedules are not interesting for people who really need them”she analyzes. “Once the consultation has been carried out, you have to, whatever happens, take the car to get medicine in Aups or Salernes.”
Despite everything, the municipality plans to keep the device. “We are working on the creation of a medical center in the municipality allowing health professionals to come a few days a week”she announces. “We might, therefore, place this teleconsultation terminal in this office with much longer hours.”
A monthly subscription: the incongruous idea of the private medical group Ramsey
In mid-June, a controversy erupted among the medical community. The private group Ramsay, owner of many clinics and health establishments, has offered a teleconsultation subscription. For 11.99 euros, subscribers can benefit from a 24/7 teleconsultation service.
“Once your subscription has been taken out, you have two options for immediate teleconsultation with a doctor. […] by telephone, [ou depuis] your computer, following making sure you have a good internet connection and a microphone”indicates the private group on its website.
A health Netflix
The National Council of the Order of Physicians quickly reacted once morest this proposal from the private group, considering it a “Netflix of health”. A system launched a year ago by the Australian group which requires a lot of doctors to be viable.
“Is it logical to subtract doctors, when we need them so much elsewhere?”wondered Dr. Jean-Marcel Mourgues, vice-president of the National Council of the Order of Physicians, with our colleagues from France Info.
Because, in any case, the number of doctors is low compared to the needs of the population.
