Medical

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

EU parliament votes against mandatory medical visits for drivers

Individual countries are however invited to adopt the measure

Delivery of medicines by drone tested in south-west France

The French-made drone test now shows the ‘potential for medical deliveries’ to people in isolated areas

practical

Who gets called for a mammogram in France? Is it free?

Scans are recommended every other year for women aged between 50 and 74

Dentist shortage in France ‘is unlikely to improve for a decade’

Union representing dentists tells us crisis will continue with four regions showing chronic lack of services

Do non-EU six-month visitors have to undergo a medical in France?

And, if so, what happens if you fail?

French health authority issues warning over cold medication drug

A common cold drug found in well-known medications can, in very rare cases, cause brain issues and heart problems, the ANSM has said

France to offer free medical check-ups at age 25, 45 and 65

The appointments will be tailored to each life stage and are part of the new ‘prevention era’, the health minister has said

French pharmacists to offer biosimilar medicines: What does it mean?

How does ‘biosimilar’ differ from ‘generic’ and which medicines are included in the new decree?

Doctors in France warn against ‘trend’ of cutting ‘tongue-tie’ babies

Medical authority l'Académie de médecine has said that the practice should only be done in case of a genuine issue and not as a matter of course or as a preventive measure

French Levothyrox inquiry now includes manslaughter

The French inquiry into the controversial new formula of thyroid drug Levothyrox has been widened to include the charge of “involuntary homicide”, or manslaughter, after the death of a woman.

New France-UK study finds Levothyrox ‘not equivalent’

A new study into the controversial “new formula” of thyroid medication Levothyrox has found that the two formulas are in fact “not equivalent” for all patients, in contrast to previous claims.

France lockdown: Can I go to the dentist?

You can go to the dentist, as long as you have an appointment and a travel exemption form.

New American Covid pill not yet submitted for European approval

The pill has shown in trials that it can dramatically reduce the risk of hospitalisation and death but there is still a way to go before it can be authorised for use in France

France requires increased stock of vital medicines to avoid shortages

French manufacturers must now build up two months’ supplies of ‘major therapeutic interest’ medicines, or face fines – as a shortage could be life-threatening to patients

Covid jabs could start from early 2021 in Europe

Days after Pfizer announced promising results from its trial, the director of the ECDC has said that vaccinations could begin in the first quarter of next year.

French doctors say ibuprofen is ‘no risk’ to Covid patients

New studies have led French doctors to say that contrary to announcements in March, ibuprofen offers ‘no risk’ to patients with Covid

Covid-19: Is France doing too many tests?

Experts have cast doubt on whether the French government’s mass testing strategy is the most effective way to fight Covid-19, as the country completes upwards of one million tests per week.

French supermarket installs Covid-19 disinfection door

The door at an Intermarché supermarket mists shoppers with a disinfectant as they enter. It comes as Covid-19 cases continue to rise in France, and the government considers changing quarantine rules.

South France hospitals prepare for second Covid wave

Hospitals in four “red zone” departments in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur are preparing for a second wave, as numbers rise in the region.

French scientists unveil nasal spray 'Covid solution'

Experts say treatment would cost less than €1milion to develop as a complement to vaccination through next phase of testing

French scientists review Covid-19 saliva testing

PCR saliva tests are already being used in the US, but are not currently available in France where their reliability is still being studied by scientists.

French expert: UK vaccine ‘hopeful’ but unlikely before 2021

A medical research expert in France has said that despite the recently-announced successes of British and Chinese Covid-19 vaccination trials, a safe vaccine is still unlikely to be available before at least 2021.

France robot technology gives oncologists a helping hand

World-leading robot technology developed in France is helping physicians here to treat and operate on liver cancer patients.

One in three French people ‘would not get Covid vaccination’

One in three people in France would refuse to have the coronavirus vaccine even when one becomes available, a new poll has found, in line with the general view that the French are often sceptical of vaccines.

Latest data: France alert to possible second Covid-19 wave

Health authorities in France have repeatedly warned of a“second wave” of the Covid-19 epidemic, and the health minister has described the current virus spread as “worrying”. We look at what the latest data shows.

Leading French doctor joins call for mandatory indoor masks

A top doctor in France has reiterated calls for masks to be made compulsory in all enclosed public areas, and called the choice not to wear a mask an “uncivil act”.

Doctors in France call for face masks in indoor public areas

Doctors in France are calling for face masks to be “mandatory” in closed-in public areas, to avoid the coronavirus epidemic from restarting and continuing to spread.

Rise in Covid-19 traces found in Paris water

Results from recent tests show a resurgence of SARS-CoV-2 - the virus that causes Covid-19 - in water in the French capital at minimal levels, as the government considers how to control a possible second wave of the virus in France.

Controversial prof lambasts French Covid-19 strategy

Infectious disease specialist Didier Raoult criticised the French government and its advisory body le Conseil Scientifique for their handling of the Covid-19 crisis, specifically the lack of Covid-19 tests done in France.

Controversial French prof: ‘I could have halved Covid death’

Controversial French infectious diseases specialist, Professor Didier Raoult, has said that “if people had listened to me, we would have had half the number of deaths from coronavirus”, in a new interview.

WHO halts trials of controversial drug hydroxychloroquine

Medical trials of the drug hydroxychloroquine in Covid-19 patients - a version of which has been widely championed by French Professor Didier Raoult - have been stopped by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Urgent call to catch up on vaccinations in France post-Covid

Thousands of infants and vulnerable adults missed crucial vaccinations the during Covid-19 lockdown in France, according to public health body la Haute Authorité de Santé, which has said that catching up on vaccinations must be a priority now that Covid-19 is under control.

French professor develops anti-virus doorknob

A professor at a French engineering school has helped design a specialised handle attachment that allows medical staff to open and close doors using their elbows.

Covid affects far more Brittany residents than thought

The coronavirus that causes Covid-19 has affected up to 10% of residents in Morbihan, Brittany, northwest France - a much higher percentage of people than previously thought - a new blood test study has found.

France issues list of reliable coronavirus blood tests

The French health ministry has published an official list of “approved” and reliable blood tests for coronavirus antibodies, which can now be prescribed by GPs and reimbursed by the State.

‘Months’ to know if deconfinement a success in France

It may be weeks or months until we know if early deconfinement in France has been a success, medical experts have said, with the health minister not ruling out a possible second confinement if necessary.

New Dordogne France Covid cluster ‘now under control’

A new “cluster” of Covid-19 cases has been identified in the Dordogne in southwest France, after a family funeral took place - but none of the cases is serious and the outbreak is now said to be “under control”.

New blood test by French lab detects Covid-19 immunity

A French laboratory is developing a blood test that can determine exactly how immune a person is to the virus SARS-CoV-2 - which causes Covid-19 - and has hailed it “a precious tool to help with deconfinement”.

French army confirms 70kg order of Covid-19 drug

The French army has confirmed it has bought 70kg of the drug chloroquine - which early medical trials have suggested may be effective against Covid-19 - as “a precaution”.

French urged to seek medical care despite confinement

The public should continue to seek medical advice for non-Covid-19-related issues despite confinement, the French health minister has said, as specialists report a 60% drop in appointments even for urgent complaints.

France may be confined again in case of ‘second wave’

France could enter a second period of confinement in case a “second wave” of the Covid-19 epidemic occurs, the Élysée has said, as preparations begin to lift the current rules from May 11.

Wastewater tests in France could help monitor Covid-19

Regular testing of wastewater in France would enable scientists to monitor the spread of Covid-19, help identify a possible “second wave” of the virus, and allow wider health recommendations, experts have said.

Covid-19 in France: What we know (and do not) so far

Clinical trials and scientific studies on the origin, spread and nature of Covid-19 are continuing, as the global Discovery project continues from Lyon (‎Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes). We summarise what we know so far.

Senior doctor: French public should now ‘wear a mask’

The public in France “should wear a mask, starting now” whenever they leave the house, a senior emergency doctor has said, adding that he believes President Macron is “wrong” not to have recommended it.

Covid-19 masks: Advice issued in France on safe use

Wearing a mask when you leave the house is now recommended by medical experts in France, prompting advice on how to wear one safely and effectively. We translate some key points (translation by Connexion).

Digital hospital consultations launch in Limoges

A new digital service enabling patients to connect with specialists at Limoges Hospital while in confinement is set to go live on Monday April 20.

Covid-19: Can I buy a mask from a pharmacy in France?

France’s current policy of forbidding pharmacists from selling masks to the general public has been criticised after an interview of a pharmacist complaining about the rules has gone viral online.

Macron dubs French chloroquine medic ‘great scientist’

French President Emmanuel Macron has dubbed Professor Didier Raoult, pioneer of using chloroquine against Covid-19, a “great scientist” - as Pr. Raoult controversially claims the epidemic is slowing in Marseille.

Covid-19 testing in France: Your FAQs

Testing for Covid-19 is not systematic in France, even if you have symptoms. So who can get a test, where, and how does it work? We translate answers from senior biologist, Dr François Blanchecotte.

‘France legalises Covid-19 euthanasia’ rumour debunked

Rumours that the French government had issued a decree allowing doctors to euthanise elderly Covid-19 patients using a powerful sedative are false, medical experts have confirmed.

Chief adviser: Extra confinement ‘crucial’ for France

Confinement in France must “continue for several weeks” beyond April 15 as a "crucial priority”, the chief national scientific adviser and scientific council president has said, as Covid-19 deaths exceed 10,000.

Covid-19 in France: Public may be asked to wear masks

The French government has suggested that it could soon be recommended to wear a face mask in public as part of ongoing measures to fight Covid-19, after having repeatedly said it was “not necessary”.

Europe warns Covid-19 drugs to ‘run out within days’

Essential medicines used to treat Covid-19 patients in intensive care in France and Europe are at risk of running out as stocks run very low, nine major hospitals have warned.

New French test checks if medicines worsen Covid-19

The French government is urging people to check if their regular medication could unwittingly worsen Covid-19 symptoms, and has created a new online tool to help you check.

Covid-19: Medicines to avoid, after French man dies

Recommendations have been put out as to medicines to avoid that may worsen Covid-19 symptoms, after a 28-year-old man who had been taking regular ibuprofen died from acute respiratory distress.

Early trials on Covid-19 drugs 'promising'

Research continues worldwide into a possible vaccination against Covid-19

French lab offers ‘millions of doses’ of Covid-19 drug

A French medical laboratory has said it is ready to give the French authorities “millions of doses” of an anti-malaria medication that early tests have suggested may help cure Covid-19.

France widens Covid-19 drug tests amid vaccine search

The French government has authorised more trials of a drug that could help heal Covid-19, as early tests in France were deemed “promising”, and research continues worldwide into a possible vaccination.

France limits sale of paracetamol due to Covid-19

France is now limiting the sale of paracetamol to just one or two packs per person - without a doctor’s prescription - as people stock up on the drug during the Covid-19 crisis.

‘Flu epidemic declared across whole of France

All areas of France are now in a state of ‘flu epidemic, including Normandy, which until now had escaped the worst of the illness.

Branded medicines now only reimbursed at generic price

Patients in France who refuse generic versions of their medication will now be reimbursed less, under new rules that came into force on January 1, which are expected to save the State €100 million per year.

Make sense of: France’s online medical records

Anyone with a Carte Vitale can sign up for a dossier médical partagé (DMP), a personal online medical records system.

‘Medicines to avoid in 2020’ list published in France

A list of the 105 medicines that the French public should avoid in 2020 has been published, including 12 new items that are judged to be “more dangerous than useful”.

Second case of native dengue confirmed in France

Another case of native dengue fever has been confirmed in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, just one month after the first ever case was reported.

French scientists help paralysed man to walk again

A French tetraplegic man who was unable to walk has become the first ever to walk again using a new kind of brain-controlled “exoskeleton”, created by scientists in Grenoble.

France medication shortage crisis prompts PM meeting

Concerns are growing over a lack of certain medications in France, with some patients struggling to get their prescriptions, and the Prime Minister calling a meeting in Paris in an attempt to solve the issue.

France debates new emergency number to help hospitals

France may introduce a new emergency phone number in a bid to ease congestion in hospitals and help ensure people receive faster, more appropriate care for their condition, the government has said.

Big variation in French non-prescription medicine cost

Non-prescription medication in France can vary in cost by as much as 300% - even for medication bought online - a rural family association has claimed, as it calls for greater price transparency.

French pharmacies to dispense without prescription

Pharmacies in France will now be able to give out more prescription-strength drugs without a prescription under certain conditions, the Assemblée Nationale has confirmed.

Pharmacists 'could dispense some medicines'

New law allowing pharmacists to diagnose and treat certain conditions to be considered by MPs

Lyon court dismisses controversial Levothyrox case

The court case against drugs company Merck, manufacturer of controversial thyroid medication Levothyrox, has been dismissed in Lyon due to a “lack of information” from the plaintiffs.

France sets out key healthcare reforms for 2022 law

New rules on training, hospital locations, and video health consultations are some of the key proposals put forward in a new healthcare law announced today (February 13) by French health minister Agnès Buzyn.

‘Flu jabs run low in France as more opt for vaccine

The number of people receiving ‘flu vaccinations in France is finally on the rise, with stocks of the jab running low for the first time ever in a winter season.