French union criticizes managing hospitals 'like companies'

By Esra Taskin

PARIS (AA) – A French hospital union has criticized the management of hospitals in the country "like companies" for it causing a health system crisis.

Gregory Leduc, federal secretary of health services of the FO-Sante union, told Anadolu that managing hospitals as if they were companies creates problems in terms of health materials.

He also underlined a lack of personnel.

"We observe the situation in emergency units, we see the waiting queues, and we also face difficulties in other units," Leduc said.

The unionist added that France's health system was already facing troubles before the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Institutions who offer public services should have reserves," according to Leduc. "The policies of the successive governments put hospitals in a situation like they are being run as if private companies."

He also deplored the breakout of bronchiolitis just while COVID-19 was coming to an end.

According to Leduc, hospital staff, tired of the government's inaction, has decided to launch strikes. He said 80% to 90% of the emergency nurses in around 10 hospitals in the country are on sick leave due to burnout.

France lacks personnel and needs 200,000 recruitments, Leduc estimated, as he pointed out that the country has already 1 million healthcare workers in public hospitals.

The unionist also said France has been lacking doctors for decades. He further said patients are rushing to emergency units due to the lack of general practitioners.

"Patients cannot receive treatment immediately in emergency units, the mortality and morbidity rates are increasing," he added. "Getting out of the emergency units before eight hours is impossible, this period can go up to 24 hours or even 48 hours."

Leduc also pointed out the need for another 2,000 public hospitals and 3,500 public elderly care centers, as well as 10% to 20% more nurses.

He explained that the weekly labor is 35 hours in France but most hospital staff has to overwork due to the staff shortage.

The extra work fees, as well as the net monthly salaries, have been increased – which were raised by €189 ($204). A nurse's average monthly salary is €2,500 and it varies depending on experience, Leduc said.

*Writing by Nur Asena Erturk in Ankara