(Angus Reid Global Scan) – Many adults in France remain worried about their well being, according to a poll by CSA published in L’Humanité. 48 per cent of respondents believe health is the most important issue for them personally.
(Angus Reid Global Scan) – Many adults in France remain worried about their well being, according to a poll by CSA published in L’Humanité. 48 per cent of respondents believe health is the most important issue for them personally.
The World Health Organization (WHO) ranked France’s health care system as the best in the world in 2000. The European country currently spends 9.9 per cent of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on health care.
Under existing regulations, French doctors and dentists are allowed to set up private practices, and patients—who can choose their providers at will—are reimbursed by the state for up to 85 per cent of their medical expenses.
On May 10, hundreds of French surgeons began a symbolic six-day exile to Britain to protest the government’s position on pay increases. The Surgeons of France group claims fees for their services have not increased in 15 years, a fact that has led to the closure of several private hospitals.
Spokesman Philippe Cuq declared the group had negotiated with health minister Philippe Douste-Blazy, but the deal “was never put into effect. Surgeons feel betrayed and are determined to show it.”
Retirement and employment were next on the list of concerns with 37 per cent each, followed by purchasing power, safety, environment, social security and education.
Polling Data
Which of the following issues is the most important to you personally?
(Three maximum)
Apr. 2005 | Mar. 2005 | |
Health | 48% | 48% |
Retirement | 37% | 42% |
Employment | 37% | 27% |
Purchasing power | 29% | 36% |
Safety | 27% | 21% |
Environment | 26% | 24% |
Social Security | 26% | 27% |
Education | 26% | 24% |
Quality of life | 18% | 18% |
Housing | 9% | 10% |
Worker rights | 8% | 8% |
Source: CSA / L’Humanité
Methodology: Telephone interviews to 1,000 French adults, conducted on Apr. 26 to Apr. 27, 2005. No margin of error was provided.
