Domhnall MacAuley is a CMAJ Associate Editor and a professor of primary care in Northern Ireland, UK

French general practitioners went on strike today. It’s part of an extended period of industrial action that includes refusing to process paperwork and a number of planned medical centre closures. Not every GP could participate today, however, due to a flu epidemic sweeping across France. Doctors had already closed their offices during December but there was little response from Marisol Touraine, the Minister for Health, and this was part of their planned efforts to maintain pressure.

Money is one problem. The agreed fees paid by l'Assurance Maladie seem modest. Doctors are paid €23 euro per consultation with reported average earnings for 2013 of just over ...continue reading →