France to Debate Doctor Installation Law as Medical Deserts Worsen

A transpartisan proposal to regulate doctor placements faces resistance from unions as the government prepares alternative solutions to address healthcare inequality.

• 87% of the French population now lives in areas with inadequate healthcare access, with over 6 million people lacking a general practitioner.
• The National Assembly will debate a proposal on April 1-2, 2025, to regulate where doctors can establish practices, requiring approval from Regional Health Agencies.
• Medical unions strongly oppose the regulation, citing concerns over its impact on professional autonomy and its effectiveness in addressing shortages.
• The government plans to unveil concrete measures by the end of April 2025, focusing on financial incentives and teleconsultation as alternative solutions.
• The aging medical workforce and insufficient replacements for retiring doctors exacerbate the crisis, with rural areas being hit hardest.

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