Covid-19 France: Don't neglect other health issues
Those in France who need healthcare for serious or chronic conditions must not put it off due to the confinement rules, the government says.
Some people are reportedly avoiding contact with doctors, including necessary healthcare appointments, due to the Covid-19 crisis, said Health Minister Olivier Véran, however this will only lead to more problems.
He said in a speech: “It’s important that hospitals be able to respond to epidemics while at the same time still caring for those with chronic illness.
“I would like to take this opportunity to remind every person who needs essential healthcare unrelated to the coronavirus, to contact their doctor and in necessary, hospital, so as not to delay care where it could harm them due to putting-off.
“I’ve heard of people not going for pregnancy checks, not having cancer scans, or delaying children’s vaccinations.
“I ask you all to make contact with your doctors to make sure these essential kinds of care take place – at a distance where possible.
“Patients must not give up on healthcare, because there could be very serious consequences
“So keep consulting your GP and specialists.”
He said that in many cases a ‘teleconsulation’, that is over a webcam, or even a phone call, can suffice.
“But if you need a cancer scan, then do it, if you need to vaccinate your child, do it, if you have diabetes or any other chonic illness and need follow-up, do it,” he said.
The attestation de sortie forms allow you to go out for necessary medical care, he said, and especially if you have a designated affectation de longue durée (ALD).
