France is currently navigating an unprecedented political landscape. The snap legislative elections in July failed to deliver a parliamentary majority in the National Assembly. After months of negotiations and uncertainty, a government was finally formed in late September under the leadership of Michel Barnier. However, this government lacks a stable parliamentary base and remains susceptible to a vote of no confidence. As a result, it is unlikely that the government will pursue any significant reforms.
The government, a product of a diverse alliance between the former presidential coalition and the Republican right, raises questions about its approach to healthcare policy, particularly at a time when the healthcare system is facing numerous challenges: difficulties in accessing care, a shortage of healthcare professionals, and a worsening financial situation, to name a few.
Healthcare: one of Michel Barnier’s five priority areas
In his policy speech, the new Prime Minister outlined five key areas of government action, one of which is healthcare.
First, the government aims to address the issue of medical deserts and the shortage of healthcare professionals. To this end, it plans to significantly increase the number of medical students. By 2025, the number of medical residents will rise from 8,500 to 11,000. The Prime Minister has also proposed the creation of a “Hippocrates Programme” to encourage both French and international medical residents to work in regions with doctor shortages. Additionally, he aims to better recognise the expertise and skills of nurses and expand their role in patient care to improve access to healthcare services.
In hospitals, the focus will be on reducing complexity and bureaucracy in healthcare facilities, freeing up more time for direct medical care.
As the largest area of expenditure for the national health insurance system, mental health has been declared the national cause for 2025. Prevention and enhanced support for those suffering from psychological disorders will be key priorities. The Prime Minister also reaffirmed that prevention will remain a central pillar of the government’s health policy.
What about cardiovascular diseases?
Although it remains unclear whether addressing cardiovascular diseases will be a priority for this government, several initiatives have recently been launched.
- The national health insurance system has introduced an awareness campaign highlighting the warning signs of heart failure and the cardiovascular risks faced by women.
- Prevention visits have now been officially implemented. These involve health and lifestyle assessments at key ages (25, 45, 65, and 75), offering an opportunity to detect early signs of cardiovascular and structural heart diseases.
It is also worth noting that a bill on cardiovascular disease screening was submitted in May by MP Yannick Neuder. While the dissolution of the lower house has delayed its progress, the issue of cardiovascular diseases could soon gain greater attention in French healthcare policy.