# French healthcare access and digital health expansion > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/french-healthcare-access-and-digital-health-expansion > Updated: 2026-08-28T05:20:14.000Z. Sources: 2. Developments: 2. France is addressing challenges in healthcare access and the phenomenon of medical deserts through a combination of centralized services and digital health solutions. Initial efforts to manage on-call medical services and pharmacies include the 116 117 number and the Service d’Accès aux Soins (SAS), which provides a triage system for over 90% of the population. However, practical difficulties remain, such as residents in areas like Flers having to travel significant distances to reach available pharmacies during holidays. To mitigate these shortages, the country is expanding digital tools. This includes the adoption of the LYLEOO teleophthalmology platform by 2,000 opticians to facilitate rapid specialist consultations, and the rapid deployment of teleconsultation booths. The number of these booths, many located in pharmacies, has tripled in three years to approximately 6,000 units, allowing patients to conduct video consultations using connected medical equipment. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-28: France expands digital health tools to combat medical deserts France is addressing medical deserts through digital solutions, including teleophthalmology networks involving 2,000 opticians and the rapid expansion of 6,000 teleconsultation booths in pharmacies and townhals 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/france-expands-digital-health-tools-to-combat-medical-deserts ### 2026-08-15: France healthcare access: Tools and challenges for on-call services While France offers tools like the 116 117 number and the SAS system to locate on-call doctors, residents still face significant hurdles accessing pharmacies and medical care in certain regions. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/france-healthcare-access-tools-and-challenges-for-on-call-services --- Cite as: French healthcare access and digital health expansion. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/french-healthcare-access-and-digital-health-expansion