CNN/AP: Heat fears as French medics strike: hospitals could be overwhelmed

[DeepModem Mom]

Heat fears as French medics strike
Surgeons' walkout could leave hospitals overwhelmed
Monday, July 24, 2006

PARIS, France (AP) -- Some French private clinic surgeons and specialists went on strike Monday, sparking concerns that public hospitals could be overwhelmed while also trying to cope with a heat wave.

The Union of Surgeons of France called a walkout to demand an increase in the fees they can charge, denounce a rise in insurance premiums and protest that some equipment is no longer reimbursed by the state. They also say the government has not respected 2004 agreements on their fees and insurance premiums.

Several other unions joined the movement, and it broadened to include obstetrician-gynecologists. It was unclear early Monday what percentage of surgeons followed the strike call. Unions say the movement could continue beyond Monday.

On Saturday, Health Minister Xavier Bertrand urged strikers to reconsider because of the heat wave that continued this week in many parts of France, saying, "I need them in the operating rooms."

Officials fear that patients will overwhelm public hospitals if surgeons in private clinics aren't available....

http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/europe/07/24/france.surgeons.ap/index.html

[oscar111]

1. greedheads flood this field of work, if allowed to

our healthcare is flooded with them.