Health

New date set for stricter painkiller prescription rules in France

Introduction of ‘secure prescriptions’ for tramadol and codeine delayed after some pharmacists said they were not ready

Assistants employed to ease medical deserts in France

Role is intended to help free up GP time so they can treat more patients

French senate votes for increase in taxes on tobacco, gambling and soda

A packet of cigarettes will cost on average €12.70 next year if propositions are included in final budget

news

Fact check: Does France offer world’s most generous health reimbursement?

It comes after a government spokesperson made the claim this week

Why do some French GPs charge more than others?

The price of a consultation is rising in December - but some already bill patients at €30 instead of €26.50

French health minister proposes lower reimbursement of medicine

Patients (or their top-up insurance) will need to pay more if the proposal goes ahead

Checks and safety laws explained after death in France from carbon monoxide

It kills around 100 and affects 3,000 people every year in France

Covid-19: What is latest situation in France ahead of Christmas?

Santé Publique France revealed new figures in its latest update

Dozens fall ill in French train station as man pours toxic liquid on floor

The man spilled the liquid and then ‘calmly boarded a train’, police say

Marathon effort boosts cancer support in France

Runners join Nice-Cannes Marathon to fund English-language cancer support services in Alpes-Maritimes

Child health booklets in France will be updated to include risks of screen time

Report by experts recommends banning screens for children under the age of three

Many French hospitals trial fingertip test for heart disease

Test takes 15 minutes and can detect early signs of the disease

French study tests psychedelics in alcoholism therapy

A groundbreaking experiment explores how psilocybin can be used to combat depressive symptoms in alcohol recovery

Strepsils, Olbas Oil, TCP: Find French equivalents to common remedies

Moving to France means navigating pharmacies and hunting down alternatives to treat everyday ailments

Alert over mushroom picking in France after death and poisonings

Several poisonous mushrooms can easily be mistaken for safe varieties, experts warn

Why have thousands of hospital beds closed in France?

A new report shows that the number of full hospitalisation beds has dropped by more than 10% in 10 years

Concern over Mercury levels in canned tuna sold in France

Organisations are calling on limits to be much stricter. French brand ‘Petit Navire’ had mercury levels 13 times higher than fresh fish limits

Are foreign nursing qualifications recognised in France?

Brexit changed rules for Britons relocating to France

Tiger mosquitoes continue to spread at abnormally high levels in France

Mild autumn temperatures have enabled the insects to proliferate, amid record dengue cases

Impact on appointments: French hospital staff are on strike today

Four major unions call for strike in response to 2025 budget

How do I ask for free French flu voucher if I did not receive one?

The 2024/2025 vaccination season has begun

American patient story causing organ donations to plummet in France

The story of a brain dead man waking up on the operating table is causing refusal rates to soar

Record dengue cases recorded in France - how to prevent the spread

Health authorities have warned that cases of native and imported dengue are at record levels

GRAPH: Variation in flu vaccination rates in France in last 16 years

Figures have fallen for three successive years, including for over 65s

French researchers give new hope in treating eating disorders

A groundbreaking theory links neurotransmitter deficits to compulsive behaviours, potentially revolutionising treatment

Why is there such a row in France over who owns Doliprane?

News of a potential sale of the manufacturer has reignited debates over drug shortages and ‘drug sovereignty’

Allergy tracking app to ease shopping difficulties created by French students

Innovative app by students helps allergy sufferers scan products and share tips, enhancing supermarket experiences.

What is being done to tackle France’s shortage of dermatologists?

The issue is part of a nationwide problem of medical deserts and a shortage of new doctors

I had cataract surgery in France

After her vision deteriorated in one eye, Finistère resident Ann Edwards, 80, had to go into hospital for an cataract operation. Here, she talks about the procedure and post-op check-ups

Explained: what is the official France Identité app and can foreigners use it?

Health cards are to soon be included, the French prime minister recently announced

Covid and flu vaccination campaign starts today in France - who is invited?

Millions of people are eligible for free vaccines

French-made hospital respirator revolutionises global healthcare

Cost-effective, open-source machine was developed during the Covid crisis and now aids patients worldwide

New rules for sick-leave notes introduced in France

The government is to allow employers to use independent doctors to verify employee sick leave claims

Alert over wild mushrooms in France: 400 cases of intoxication since July

Pickers advised to avoid relying on smartphone apps to identify mushroom types due to risk of error

Weight loss drug Wegovy to be sold on prescription in France

The somewhat controversial drug will be available on prescription, but not reimbursed

Carte Vitale: Plans for digital version to be integrated with French ID app

Health cards should be available on smartphones across country in early 2025, reports leading French media

Ditch diets, stay active and self-care: Enjoy life the French way

Columnist Cynthia Spillman explains the secret of healthy living in France

What is a French attestation des droits? Is it necessary to have one?

Schools and nurseries often ask parents to provide this document

When, where, how: 2024-2025 flu vaccinations in France

The new campaign begins on October 15. Here are the details and how to get a jab

Dried sausages recalled across France over salmonella fears

Contaminated products were sold in several major French supermarket chains including Super U and Carrefour

Could reimbursement rates for medical consultations be lowered in France?

Cost-cutting measure is reported to be under review. Any reduction is likely to see insurance costs rise

Expert casts doubt on claims bites from French 'violin' spider killed two

'No deaths from a spider bite' have ever been recorded in France

Drug use in France surges to record high

A recent study shows significant rise in consumption across the nation, with cocaine use most notably on the up

Half of women in France not aware of breast cancer risk factors

A new study ahead of awareness month Pink October revealed ‘concerning results’ says an anti-cancer group

Visualise: Data on workers’ sick-leave days in France

Sick-leave is costing more and more each year, with authorities keen to reduce strain on healthcare budget

Change to prescription rules in France to prevent addiction

Two kinds of medicines will soon need a ‘secure’ prescription

Is medicinal cannabis legal in France and is CBD available in high-street shops?

There are ongoing trials assessing the benefits of cannabis for certain serious illnesses

EU gives go-ahead for France to ban disposable vapes

A law can now be passed to ban single-use e-cigarettes, called ‘puffs’ by young people, following health and environmental concerns

Covid-19 hospitalisation cases on rise in France

All age groups are affected but particularly the over 65s

Medicine shortages in France: heavy penalties for 11 laboratories

‘No class of drugs was spared’ from the severe shortages recorded last year, health authorities say

Is France set to ban smoking on restaurant and cafe terraces?

A new European proposal suggests a ban on smoking and vaping in outdoor and semi-outdoor public areas

French minister proposes tightening health aid to ‘irregular’ foreigners

New Interior Minister wants to restrict cover although plans have faced criticism

Expired medicine still ‘90% effective’ says new French study

An association said the results pointed to ‘a real environmental, economic and health scandal’, but doctors have warned that people should not take expired medicines

What are the rules for driving a mobility scooter in France?

The regulations can vary dependent upon the vehicle’s maximum speed

Ceam or Ghic: Which health card is right for Britons in France?

The choice is dependent upon which country funds your healthcare

Reminder: French medical analysis laboratories are on strike

Unions claim funding cuts will weaken services

Over 600 people ill from drinking tap water in south-central France

Illness may also have been spread through human contact

Bowel cancer screening in France: early testing is important

Life-saving test is offered to 50 to 74-year-olds

New iodine tablets for communes near French nuclear power sites

The tablets are distributed for use in the event of an emergency, but some say the scheme does not go far enough

France launches health inquiry across the population

The study is starting with a trial and is set to be rolled out nationwide next year

How France’s new free health checks work

People in four key age groups are eligible and the 30-45 minute checks are designed to offer better preventative care

Are there English-speaking dentists in France?

France does suffer from so-called ‘medical deserts’ which can affect all professions

New hope in France of treatment for rare fatal motor neurone disease

Blood platelets injected into patients with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) may prolong life expectancy and improve quality of life

Why speaking French is good for your brain

Learning a new language can improve brain health and even delay the onset of dementia

French authorities announce major reform to workers’ sick pay rules

The cost of sick leave days is expected to ‘increase by more than €1 billion’ to €17 billion by the end of 2024

€1 franchise fee proposed for medical devices in France

Adding the fee could save the state at least €259 million in healthcare costs, a new report claims

France to offer free STI screening for young - no prescription needed

Previously only HIV tests were available this way

Dogs banned from French city water spaces after pet dies

The municipality of Lille issued the order after a dog was found to have died from blue-green algae poisoning

French medical laboratories issue strike notice for September

Unions say budget cuts of almost 10% may force closures, but state health authorities argue budget was already agreed

Allergy warning: several areas of France on red alert for ragweed pollen

Over three million people in France thought to be allergic to this pollen

Dengue: Anti-mosquito operation launched in France after new case

The infected person had travelled to a high-risk tropical area before returning to France

1.5cm hole in leg: Teenager bitten by ‘violin’ spider in south of France

The spiders are not thought to be aggressive. We look at where they are in France and the possible complications of a bite

What essential health screenings are available for free in France?

Preventative cancer testing is provided but often depends on age, gender and pre-existing conditions

50 French hospitals hit by long patient delays or summer closures

The health minister has admitted ‘there are difficult situations to address’ as one health union claims four people have died while waiting for emergency care

110,000 boxes of antibiotics recalled in France

Pharmacists must return stocks, but individuals should not in theory have any faulty medicines in their homes