French Doctors on Strike in Protest of an Upcoming Health Bill

Three unions of French doctors have called for a strike in protest of certain aspects of an upcoming health bill, which notably would allow pharmacists to vaccinate patients; and also set up a system whereby patients would no longer be reimbursed retroactively for doctors' visits, with social security directly paying GPs instead. This proposed change has prompted fears of payment delays.

Claude Leicher, head of MG France, one of the unions calling the strike, said, "Between 40 and 80 percent of GPs followed the work stoppage on Tuesday in different areas."

Another GPs and specialists union, CSMF, also called on its members to strike until December 31, worsening the situation at a time of festive season and prevalent flu and gastroenteritis.

Source: Medindia