Strike Proposed for 3rd October …
DOCTORS across France are once again threatening strike action from the 3rd October, and this time for an indefinite period, to protest about reforms to the health system which will effect the way they are paid. Four unions representing GPs have called the walkout, and have warned of further industrial action thoughout the autumn and winter unless the controversial health reform law is scrapped.
Their main concern is about the roll-out of the “tiers payant”, meaning that patients will no longer have to make any up-front contribution when they see a medical professional, which is the usual practice, with the bill being paid directly from the social security system instead.
Fear about patient Confidentiality
Doctors have expressed fear that this will compromise patient confidentiality as more data about their treatment will be shared across a wider network, and that medical records could one day be sold on. They also believe that the changes will also lead to an increase in the cost of health insurance cover for patients.
