Hundreds of foreign doctors working in France’s healthcare system have launched a three-day hunger strike to protest their precarious working conditions and lack of protection. The protest, organized by medical professionals with non-EU diplomas, aims to address the significant disparities between their salaries and those of their European counterparts.
The Striking Issues for Non-EU Medical Workers
The group, known as “padhue,” consists of doctors who often earn up to three times less than their colleagues holding European diplomas. Many of these medical professionals work in underserved areas of France, where they are crucial in supporting healthcare systems, especially in the fight against chronic diseases and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Abdelhalim Bensaïdi, a diabetes specialist at Nanterre Hospital, shared his frustrations with French public radio, stating that these doctors find themselves in an “unacceptably precarious situation.” The padhue doctors often face short-term contracts that are renewed every six months, with no long-term security or guarantee that they can remain in the country.
Macron’s Pledge and Unfulfilled Promises
A year ago, French President Emmanuel Macron acknowledged the issue, noting that foreign doctors were “holding our healthcare services together” despite their precarious administrative status. Macron’s government pledged to reform the status of these workers to offer them more protection and better working conditions, a measure intended to help fill vacancies in French medical facilities.
However, despite the promises, many foreign-trained doctors continue to face inequality, making it harder for them to thrive in the French healthcare system.
Protests and Upcoming Demonstrations
The hunger strike is not the only form of protest. The union supporting these doctors has announced plans for a demonstration outside the French Ministry of Health in Paris on Saturday, as part of ongoing efforts to push the government to address these systemic issues.
Conclusion: The Struggle for Fair Treatment
The plight of foreign doctors in France highlights a broader issue regarding the treatment of non-EU medical professionals. The hunger strike is a desperate call for justice and fair treatment for these essential workers, many of whom continue to serve the French population despite the challenges they face.