French mayors issue sickness ban in protest over healthcare access

Nine mayors in France have banned falling ill, in a symbolic move to highlight the lack of local doctors, reports the BBC.

A decree signed by the mayors in rural parts of Sarthe, an area west of Paris, says requiring medical care because of accident or sickness is prohibited.

They say their aim is to warn the government about the difficulties of accessing health services in the area.

Staffing issues, bed shortages and the closure of facilities were among the problems they highlighted.

The four-article decree says it is forbidden to seek medical attention, have an accident or "to be born with health problems" in the area.

Read more of this report from the BBC.