Medical staff call off clinic strike

INDEPENDENT GPS, SURGEONS AND OTHER PRACTITIONERS HAD WALKED OUT OVER A GOVERNMENT CAP ON THEIR FEES THE MAIN union behind a strike of medical workers in France has called for it to end

before it causes problems for patients. The president of Bloc, which has led the strike against caps on fees charged by independent practitioners, Philippe Cuq, said medical staff should

return to work, but said that the protest would continue to grow under other forms. “We are workers and the clinics are businesses, this doesn't cost the government anything, but it

costs us dear,” he added. Bloc, which represents medical specialists including anaesthesiologists, surgeons and obstetricians had called for an indefinite strike. Up to 70% of private

clinics were affected. A representative of the _fédération de l'hospitalisation privée_, Elisabeth Tomé-Gertheinrichs, said the strike had cost private clinics up to €80,000 a day, but

underlined the strike would be stopped because of problems for patients. The strike caused the most disruption in the Ile-de-France, Paca and Rhone-Alpes – regions with the highest number of

private practitioners. STORY:Medics strike against changes Medical workers were objecting to a recent agreement placing a cap on the fees that they can charge above the basic state tariffs.

They are also objecting to any potential reform of the distribution of private practices. Each year the number of private practitioners, especially GPs, has dwindled in France, in some

areas faster than others, leading to so-called 'medical deserts'. Fewer graduates are opting to start private clinics, preferring to take on salaried positions in hospitals.

Previous governments have threatened stick and carrot approaches to the issues, but unions are insisting doctors retain the right to work wherever they want. aline caldwell - Fotolia.com