Healthcare goals for 2027

Édouard Philippe has set goals for 2027 that aim to stabilize healthcare spending without simply increasing resources, focusing on prevention and technological changes. This approach is part of a larger plan to consolidate public finances and reduce the budget deficit to 2% of GDP by the end of his term.

Healthcare investment and prevention

Controlling spending does not mean reducing engagement in healthcare, as health remains a key area for investment. In May of last year, in Reims, Édouard Philippe highlighted access to care as a core part of his future program, proposing three strategies: training doctors, using artificial intelligence, and emphasizing prevention, which he called the "great French delay."

Pharmacy network and rural challenges

The future of the pharmacy network is also a focus for the presidential candidate. In October 2025, before the National Congress of Pharmacists in Lyon, he addressed the issue of pharmacy closures and rural depopulation, acknowledging that past government measures had had limited success and promising to find new ways to support the pharmacy sector.

New roles for pharmacists

Regarding new responsibilities, Édouard Philippe mentioned the "tarification de la pertinence des soins" (remuneration based on the relevance of care) and the potential of new technologies in monitoring, diagnosis, and prescription. However, he did not specify what new skills he would expect pharmacists to have or what remuneration model he would use.

Past policies and future direction

While no detailed proposals have been made yet, Édouard Philippe’s time as Prime Minister provides some context. As Prime Minister from 2017 to 2020, he oversaw significant changes for the pharmacy sector, such as the generalization of flu vaccination by pharmacists in 2019 and a strategy to address supply chain issues. These actions reflect his approach to the sector, though they are not binding commitments for 2027.

Focus on prevention and relevance

Édouard Philippe’s main initiative includes maintaining the pharmacy network and shifting the healthcare system toward prevention and the relevance of care, emphasizing more effective and efficient healthcare delivery.