French Emergency Services Face Unprecedented Strain Amid Winter Epidemics and Doctors' Strike

On January 8, 2026, France's Health Minister Stéphanie Rist reported an unprecedented level of tension across all hospital emergency services. Speaking after her visit to the emergency department at Paris's Saint-Antoine hospital, Rist highlighted that the surge in activity stems from compounded pressures caused by winter epidemics, heavy snowfall, and an ongoing strike by liberal doctors.

Data from Assurance-maladie indicates a significant 19% decline in general practitioner consultations and a 12% drop in specialist activity following the strike's start on January 6, which is expected to last for ten days. This reduction in outpatient care has led to a dramatic increase in emergency department visits, creating severe overcrowding.

At Saint-Antoine hospital specifically, emergency services experienced a 40% jump in activity, treating 240 patients within 24 hours compared to the typical average of 180. Hospitals across France are facing similar strains, with many emergency departments and SAMU-SAS services overwhelmed to levels not seen since the COVID-19 pandemic.

In response, several hospitals, including the CHU de Toulouse, have activated "plans blancs," emergency protocols that enable the recall of healthcare staff and the postponement of non-urgent medical procedures to manage patient flow effectively. The situation reflects the simultaneous impact of seasonal health challenges and labor unrest on the French healthcare system's capacity.

Minister Rist emphasized the exceptional nature of this crisis, stating the pressure on emergency services is "unprecedented since the COVID-19 pandemic," underscoring the urgent need for coordinated response efforts.

As the doctors' strike continues alongside winter epidemics and weather disruptions, French emergency services remain on high alert, implementing contingency measures to cope with the surge in demand and mitigate risks for patients.