Jonathan Miller Jonathan Miller

French healthcare makes the NHS look like Bedlam

(Photo: iStock)

French healthcare has its problems but it makes the NHS look like Bedlam.

Recently my GP here thought it would be a good idea for me to visit the radiologist to take a look at my non-performing thyroid gland.

I made the booking online using an app called Doctolib. An appointment was available in a couple of weeks. In the UK you’d be lucky to get one in six weeks.

There are no diversity, equity and inclusion officers. There are no trans flags painted on the sides of hospitals

The privately owned radiography clinic in Clermont Herault is immaculate and spotless. I had a choice of clinics using Doctolib, but my GP recommended this one. I arrived five minutes early for my 10 o’clock appointment.

The clinic is new and the check-in like an airport. I scan my Carte Vitale, the national health identity card, the screen confirms that I’m expected, and I sit in the waiting room for all of two minutes.

Jonathan Miller
Written by
Jonathan Miller

Jonathan Miller, who lives near Montpellier, is the author of ‘France, a Nation on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown’ (Gibson Square). His Twitter handle is: @lefoudubaron

Topics in this article

Comments

Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months

Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.

Already a subscriber? Log in