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Dr Gérald Kierzek (Medical Director)
The dissolution of the National Assembly announced by the President last Sunday put a stop to several ongoing health negotiations until the outcome of the next legislative elections, or even beyond. What are the subjects impacted and the consequences for the French? Dr Gérald Kierzek answers us.
The dissolution of the National Assembly announced last Sunday by Emmanuel Macron following the European election continues to cause a stir. And if the behind-the-scenes maneuvers of the different parties occupy the media, they are not the only consequences. Due to a lack of deputies, several pieces of legislation targeting health can simply no longer be voted on or even discussed. What are these files that are likely to stagnate for a moment?
Health files blocked by dissolution
The end-of-life bill, which has been under consideration in the National Assembly since April 22, is now blocked and promises to be the big loser of this period. Dozens of hours of debate and multiple meetings came to a grinding halt. “Its continuation will depend on the new government” says Dr. Kierzek. Indeed, to resume, he will have to integrate it again into the parliamentary agenda… if he wishes. Nothing is certain.
Other legislative proposals, such as the generalization of first aid procedures and the creation of a university hospital in Corsica, are also put on hold.
A commission of inquiry, which was working on the subject of “difficulties in accessing care at public hospitals” also stopped even though conclusions were expected.
The National Council for the Refoundation of Mental Health, which was to be held on June 12 and give new impetus to this sector often presented as stricken, was also canceled.
“On the other hand, the revaluations of doctors’ prices at 30 euros were validated despite the dissolution. This aims to improve the remuneration of healthcare professionals.” The new prices are therefore recorded and do not depend on the new government.
Health, the big loser from this political instability?
For Dr Kierzek, beyond the files being put on hold, this umpteenth political twist of fate further damages a suffering health system. “We are going to change the Minister of Health again for the umpteenth time in a few years… Suffice to say that health professionals are a little disoriented, not to say resigned.”
Indeed under Emmanuel Macron, health will have had multiple ministers: Agnès Buzyn, Olivier Véran, Brigitte Bourguignon, François Braun, Aurélien Rousseau, and currently a Catherine Vautrin-Frédéric Valletoux duo. A Frédéric Valletoux who no longer really deals with health matters since we currently find him in the field, “to try to keep his place as Horizons deputy in Seine-et-Marne” announces the Point.
“We can also add that this political instability unfortunately gives power to the Health Administration while the subject currently needs a strong vision and political support”.
Concerned patient associations
On the patient side, the current instability also raises fears of major delays or even setbacks on many points. In an open letter today, France Assos Santé, with its 93 associations of patients, elderly people and people with disabilities, is concerned about the future, and asks each party and each candidate to make commitments. She wants several topics to be covered in the candidates’ various programs:
- The fight against medical deserts;
- The rest at your expense;
- An effective prevention policy concerning chronic diseases;
- The shortage of medicines.
“Ladies and gentlemen, the French expect you to meet their expectations. The health system is in your hands” she signs.