France offers cash incentives for doctors to work in under-served areas

France’s government has launched a plan to ease doctor shortages in “medical deserts.” Health Minister Yannick Neuder said volunteer doctors will be encouraged to spend two days a month in under-served areas, with the state paying €200 per day.

Authorities have identified 151 priority zones lacking sufficient healthcare. The scheme targets locums, part-time and retired doctors, aiming to mobilize those with spare capacity rather than overburden full-time GPs. Local councils have already set up support measures such as health centres to host the initiative. The program is designed as a voluntary, solidarity-based system to improve access to care without drawing resources away from existing practices.