France deploys 3,000 junior doctors to combat medical deserts

France has launched a nationwide healthcare reform by deploying nearly 3,000 junior doctors to underserved areas, commonly referred to as medical deserts. These practitioners are medical students in their fourth year of residency, following a 2022 reform that extended general practice training to nine years to align it with specialist training.

Starting November 2, 2026, these junior doctors are working in medical offices, multi-professional health centers, and hospitals. They provide consultations and patient follow-ups three to four days a week under the supervision of a senior mentor. The initiative aims to reduce patient waiting times and encourage future practitioners to settle in rural or isolated urban areas where physician shortages are acute.

To support this deployment, the government provides monthly remuneration of approximately 2,700 euros, supplemented by a 400 euro autonomy bonus. Doctors working in officially classified medical deserts can also receive an additional bonus of up to 1,000 euros. While the program offers immediate relief to local healthcare access, officials hope it will create long-term stability by familiarizing trainees with the realities of practicing in these territories.