Monday, February 18, 2008


Strike over French health reforms
Thousands of French health workers have held a one-day strike to protest against government plans to cut costs in the country's health system.

Doctors and hospital staff on Thursday marched on the Health Ministry in Paris, accusing the government of planning to privatise medical care.

France's health service is generous, treating patients without delay.

But the government insists reforms are necessary to reduce an annual health budget deficit of 10 billion euros.

Unions had called for a day of stoppages and demonstrations, to demand more staff and better working conditions. ...