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French Private Doctors Launch 10-Day Strike Over Social Security Law

The health minister says contingency planning could include requisitions to keep care running.

Overview

  • The walkout runs January 5–15 across office-based physicians and private clinics, with unions forecasting participation near 80–85% and more than 13,500 doctors already registered.
  • Doctors target remaining 2026 LFSS provisions, citing article 77 that allows unilateral fee changes and article 76 that would end reimbursement for prescriptions from non‑contracted doctors starting in 2027.
  • A separate anti‑fraud bill would let the national insurer place high prescribers under sick‑leave targets with possible financial penalties, which unions argue threatens clinical autonomy.
  • The Constitutional Council struck down planned fines for not using the shared medical record on December 30, yet unions say wider digital and administrative controls remain contentious.
  • Health Minister Stéphanie Rist says permanence‑of‑care plans are ready with possible requisitions, as unions and private hospitals expect widespread clinic closures, sharply reduced operating rooms ahead of a January 10 Paris protest, and added strain on public hospitals.