France austerity cuts affect health sector
The austerity measures in France have affected the health sector with regular shortages in medical staff and growing medical costs, Press TV reports.
Medical costs in France have noticeably increased due to the spending cuts, and with a troubled health sector, French people are now facing expensive over-the-counter medicine and high costs of visiting a physician.
Astride Martin, a French nurse, told Press TV on Monday, œOverwork, a lack of recognition for our training and really low salaries – these are three big points for us,”.
Commentators say French authorities are turning a blind eye to the issue.
Thomas Laurenceau, a journalist in Paris, said, œWe think that things are not improving. For years, we have been telling officials that they have to help the sector. The more we say this, the more they say yes. But they do nothing.”
œIt™s happening quietly, but no one wants to talk about it. Prices have risen particularly among specialists like ophthalmologists and gynecologists and they are becoming unaffordable,” Laurenceau added.
Europe plunged into financial crisis in early 2008. The worsening debt crisis has forced the EU governments to adopt harsh austerity measures and tough economic reforms.
During the administration of former French President Nicolas Sarkozy, a series of pharmacy reforms were introduced in order to reduce medical costs. The reforms allowed people to gain access to medicine without visiting a doctor.
SZH/HSN
This article originally appeared on: Press TV
Source: http://rinf.com/alt-news/breaking-news/france-austerity-cuts-affect-health-sector/36740/
