GP surgeries in railway stations

DOCTORS' surgeries could be set up inside mainline railway stations by 2020 under a new plan drawn up by the SNCF.

The rail operator has unveiled its vision for the station of the future, including more services for commuters who do not have time during the week to get things done.

The surgeries and pharmarcies are planned for city centre termini and other stations serving business districts.

Sophie Boissard, the director of the SNCF project, called Gares et Connexions, told RTL that the idea was to simplify passengers' lives.

"If you are passing through a station in the morning and again in the evening, it could be useful to be able to pop in to a medical lab to pick up test results," she said.

She said the proposal had been put out to tender in a medical journal and the SNCF had received 80 expressions of interest so far.

The rail operator has pledged €4bn to improve stations over the next 10 years.

Meanwhile, an indefinite strike on the French rail network is now in its eighth day. About 20% of TGV and TER services are cancelled and 40% of Corail trains.

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