Doctors plan March 11 strike

GPs are planning a day of strike action on March 11 to protest against a lack of resources.

Four unions - including the biggest, MG France - have urged doctors to take part in the walkout and close their surgery for the day.

They are calling for €3bn in extra government funding to improve pay and allow surgeries to employ more support staff.

The unions say GPs' workload is growing. Each practice is dealing with a higher number of patients as doctors retire and graduates choose better-paid jobs instead.

Earlier this month, the Cour des Comptes audit office accused GPs of wasting up to €200m a year by issuing paper feuilles de soins (medical claim forms) to patients instead of switching to the cheaper electronic Carte Vitale system.

Doctors say they cannot afford to get their surgeries equipped with electronic card readers.