PresidentPresident François Hollande's government announced on Monday a reform aimed at making it easier for low-earners to get access to a doctor, risking the ire of medics who complain the new funding arrangements will leave them out of pocket, reports Reuters.
The standard current practice in France is to pay 23 euros up-front for a consultation and be reimbursed by the public health insurance fund later - an arrangement the socialist government argues puts many low-earners off going to the doctor.
The reform makes it free for the patient at the point of use and requires the general practitioner to seek payment from the fund. Practitioners argue this will raise their administrative workload and lead to late payments for their services.
"The [arrangement] will be made available for everyone because it is fair and extends access to healthcare," health minister Marisol Touraine told a news conference, adding that it would be in place by the end of 2017.
