STRIKE ACTION: Many GP’s and specialist doctors throughout France are discussing strike action between the 24th and 31st of December, due to changes that are being discussed under the new healthcare bill
Many GP’s and specialist doctors throughout France are discussing strike action between the 24th and 31st of December, due to changes that are being discussed under the new healthcare bill which will effect their current working practices.
The new healthcare bill proposes compulsory third-party payments, which basically means that the doctors would bill the state and private insurance companies direct for patients visits instead of the current practice of patients paying up front at the appointment. The GP’s are saying that this is an unnecessary and expensive process that will take up more of their time.
They are also not happy about another proposal that would allow pharmacies to do certain vaccinations, such as the flu jab. They see this as a way of breaking up their profession.
Personally, I think the first proposal of them billing direct to the state or insurance companies to be a lot better system, and I am amazed the current system of payments upfront has continued for so long, as not everyone has the money to pay upfront, which can cause unnecessary delays. Of course this could make doctors busier as more people would want appointments for lesser ailments which they would not necessary attend due to not having the money. This would also mean that doctors would probably need to extend their hours as well to cope with the demand.
Not sure what I feel about the other proposal at the moment, I think I would prefer it all to stay at the doctors for now.
