Emergency services at public and university hospitals in France last week began a “general and unlimited” strike, organised by the French Association of Hospital Emergency Doctors. Joined by nurses, administrators, and ambulance drivers, the striking doctors are asking not only for more staff, better working conditions, more beds, and more money but a revamp of France's entire emergency and out-of-hours care system.

They are also complaining that doctors with private practices do not carry out enough out-of-hours work during evenings, weekends, and holidays, forcing patients to use hospitals instead. They want to see a system introduced whereby most general practitioners with private practice are obliged to do out-of-hours work.

Dr Patrick Pelloux, president of the association, said in an open letter to Dr Philippe …