Growing Unrest Among Medical Professionals

The strike among forensic doctors in the Toulon area is escalating,now encompassing the 45 physicians of SOS Doctors in Toulon. this action mirrors the protest initiated nearly two weeks ago by othre medical professionals in the region, all stemming from the same core issue: the Ministry of JusticeS failure to remit payments for their essential services.

The increasing magnitude of this strike of forensic doctists is poised to directly impact the general public, as more doctors refuse to provide services without compensation.

Financial strain Fuels Solidarity

Dr. Gérald Dauphin,president of the SOS Doctors Association in Toulon,explained the dire situation: The last payments we received were for requisitions made in April 2024,which we didn’t see until September. As then, we’ve received nothing. This financial strain has driven them to join in solidarity and symbolically with the ongoing movement.Auxiliaries of justice are now refusing to conduct examinations in police custody or issue body lifting certificates until the payment issues are resolved.

Obligation and Its Consequences

SOS Doctors face a unique challenge. As dr. Dauphin notes,We are obligated to respond to requisitions. Refusal can result in substantial fines, potentially reaching thousands of euros. This legal obligation compels them to attend to individuals in police custody, escorted by law enforcement officers.

Tho, this obligation is creating a strain on their resources, potentially impacting the availability of medical care for the general public. The increased workload reported by SOS doctors is unsustainable.

Increased Workload and Patient Impact

The workload for SOS doctors has surged dramatically. Dr. Dauphin reports that the number of requisitions received in just the first few days of the month equals what they typically handle in an entire month.They’ve bypassed the lawyers by using us more, he stated, highlighting the increased reliance on their services.

This surge in demand is stretching resources thin. If this continues, and we’re called to police custody five or six times a day, it will inevitably have consequences on the waiting period for other patients, Dr. Dauphin warns. This means that the average patient will experience longer wait times for medical attention.

Looking Ahead: Resolution Needed

The situation in Toulon underscores the critical need for timely and reliable compensation for medical professionals providing essential forensic services. The ongoing Strike of forensic doctists highlights the potential consequences of neglecting thes vital payments, potentially impacting both the medical community and the public they serve. The Ministry of Justice must address these concerns promptly to ensure the continued provision of necessary medical care and to resolve the growing unrest among Toulon’s medical professionals.