Medical desert: Cœur et Coteaux Comminges is urgently looking for doctors!

Medical desert: Cœur et Coteaux Comminges is urgently looking for doctors!

Cœur et coteaux Comminges, Frankreich - In recent years, the situation of medical care in France has increased noticeably. In 2024, six million citizens were without a family doctor, and 87 percent of the country is now considered a medical desert. This raises questions about the future of health care, especially in rural regions and with an aging population. Didier Jaffre, director of the regional health agency, notes that Occitanists are better equipped with medical staff compared to many other regions. Nevertheless, the challenge is great to ensure medical care in disadvantaged areas. 

The Occitania region has already initiated measures to counter these problems. 28 priority zones for access to medical care were identified, which were mapped as part of the pact against medical deserts in April 2025. These zones, which represent around 323,497 people, have a particularly vulnerable medical demography, especially in the municipality of Cœur et Coteaux Comminges, where only 30 general practitioners work. The decline from 47 to 30 doctors within ten years is alarming, especially since 13 of these doctors are already over 60 years old.

initiatives to improve health care

In order to stabilize medical care in these areas, local health actions have already been started before the pact. A community -professional health organization (CPTS) was founded in the municipality, and a local health contract was signed in December 2024. The planned measures include a five -year action plan that includes support for multidisciplinary health centers and the promotion of mobility projects. In addition, a platform for telemedical consultations was introduced in South Toulouse in May 2025 to facilitate access to medical care.

The Ministry of Health has also taken another step by publishing a mapping of 151 priority zones for the acceptance of voluntary doctors. From September 2025, these zones are to be equipped with “solidarity” practices based on a rotary system. Doctors can work on a voluntary basis in these areas to guarantee local health care. In the case of Cœur et Coteaux Comminges, this could also offer the community the opportunity to benefit from the solidarity between doctors.

the rural area of challenges

The basic health care in rural areas is of crucial importance. Despite the high burden of illness and the need for medical care, it is often large approaches that prevent patients in rural areas from adequate treatment. The lack of doctors combined with an aging population leads to additional pressure. Innovative models are required to close these gaps. In addition to support for local doctors, cooperation between health professions and the use of telemedicine are promising approaches.

The way to improve health care is long, but the first steps in Occitania show that there are ideas and initiatives that bring hope. It remains to be seen how the planned measures have an impact in practice and whether the way leads to a medically better -care future.

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