In several regions of France, finding a general practitioner (GP) has become increasingly difficult, with many citizens unable to secure appointments. This shortage of primary care has become a daily struggle for millions of French people, prompting the government to take action. To address this issue, the 2026 Social Security Financing Act introduced a new initiative called France Santé, designed to improve access to primary healthcare services. The program aims to create a network of approved healthcare structures, including health houses, clinics, and pharmacies, provided they meet specific national standards.
Under France Santé, the government has set a target of establishing 5,000 labeled healthcare centers by 2027, backed by a funding allocation of 150 million euros starting in 2026. As of December 2025, 102 such structures in the Île-de-France region had already been approved by the Regional Health Agency (ARS). The initiative also includes efforts to enhance non-scheduled care in urban areas and extend financial support to pharmacies located outside of vulnerable regions, aiming to provide more consistent and accessible healthcare options.
The 2026 Social Security Financing Law (PLFSS) was passed by the National Assembly on December 16, 2025, with a planned increase in health insurance spending by 3.1 percent. However, the proposal has sparked controversy, particularly among liberal doctors. Some medical unions have criticized the program, arguing that it threatens the independence of private practitioners and could lead to a decline in the quality of care. In response, some unions have called for a strike beginning in January 2026.
The France Santé program seeks to restructure local healthcare access by requiring existing structures to meet national standards, signing agreements with the ARS and the Health Insurance Fund, and expanding financial support to pharmacies beyond high-risk areas. While the initiative aims to address long-standing gaps in healthcare access, it remains to be seen whether the proposed network will effectively meet the needs of the population.
France Launches National Health Network to Address Primary Care Shortages
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