Doctors striking this weekend

DOCTORS are back on strike today in an attempt to scrap a new healthcare reform law, which includes the end of up-front payments for medical consultations.

GP surgeries around France could be affected - and it could be extended to accident and emergency wards, physiotherapists and out-of-hours pharmacies this weekend.

The walkout comes ahead of a demonstration through Paris on Sunday, protesting against health minister Marisol Touraine's reforms, which unions describe as "dangerous".

Eric Henry, a spokesman for the campaign group Mouvement Pour la Santé de Tous, said it was time to take "tougher" action against the law change.

One of the main concerns is the roll-out of the "tiers payant", meaning patients will no longer have to make any up-front contribution when they see a medical professional - with the bill being picked up by the social security system from the outset.