The government has decided to abandon a controversial measure that would have allowed it to impose targets on doctors deemed "overly prone" to reducing sick leave prescriptions. This announcement comes after several days of strikes by general practitioners, who have been mobilized since January 5th against several budgetary measures affecting their practice.
Concessions were made, but the atmosphere remains tense.
During bilateral meetings with unions, the Minister of Health also assured them that the government would not implement a provision in the Social Security budget authorizing the unilateral setting of medical fees in the absence of a collective agreement. These commitments were welcomed as progress, even though professional organizations say they are still waiting for concrete guarantees.
However, some points of contention remain, notably the planned end of reimbursement for prescriptions from non-contracted doctors, as outlined in the 2026 budget. While the national strike is expected to end in mid-January, some specialized unions, particularly those representing operating room staff, are considering continuing the movement in other forms. A new inter-union meeting is scheduled to determine the next steps in this mobilization.
