French National Assembly Approves Key Measure to Address Medical Deserts

The adopted regulation requires doctors to seek approval from Regional Health Agencies before settling in well-served areas, with further debates on the proposal scheduled for May.

The National Assembly passed the central article of a transpartisan proposal to regulate doctor placements by a vote of 155 to 85 on April 2, 2025.
Doctors will need approval from Regional Health Agencies (ARS) to practice in well-served areas, while installations in underserved areas will be automatically approved.
Prime Minister François Bayrou expressed conditional support for the regulation and announced a comprehensive government plan to address medical deserts by the end of April.
The proposal has faced opposition from medical organizations and political groups, citing concerns about its impact on the profession and potential doctor shortages.
An amendment was adopted to create an annual 'territorial indicator of healthcare availability' to guide doctor placements more effectively.