French government plans 100 medical buses to combat rural healthcare shortages

The French government plans to deploy 70 additional medical buses across France by 2027 to reach a total of 100 mobile units.

These vehicles, known as médicobus, aim to provide healthcare to patients in medical deserts, which are regions where a shortage of doctors makes it difficult for residents to secure appointments.

The médicobus units primarily offer access to general practitioners, but they can also provide consultations with specialists such as cardiologists, gynecologists, ophthalmologists, midwives, and dentists depending on what the local community needs. Each bus can serve several municipalities by spending a half or full day at a time, usually parking outside of public buildings. The government launched the first phase of this program in 2023 under former Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne.

While the initial goal was to have 100 units by the end of 2024, 34 units have been certified so far. To meet the new 2027 target, the government partnered with Banque des Territoires to secure 3.2 million euros in funding. This money will support the management of the scheme and individual projects that will receive 25,000 euros each. The government views these buses as a temporary solution and a first step toward a more sustainable healthcare system.

Other funding comes from Agences Regionales de Santé and l'Assurance Maladie, along with local authorities and private funds. These units can also join the France Santé network, which aims to ensure every person in France can access a health solution in less than 30 minutes and get a medical appointment within 48 hours if necessary.