Taxi services to reinitiate their demonstrations on 5th September, opposing changes in health transport fares regulations.
France: Taxi Drivers to Protest Against Reform of Patient Transport Costs
The French taxi industry is gearing up for a new round of protests, starting September 5, against a reform aimed at reducing the rising costs of patient transport reimbursement. The reform, set to take effect from October, aims to save at least 150 million euros, as healthcare transport costs are projected to reach 6.7 billion euros in 2024, a 7% increase from 2023, and 2.1 billion euros more than ten years ago.
Reimbursed patient transports account for half of taxis' turnover with a convention, and up to 80% for some drivers, according to Social Security. The majority (85%) of taxis in France are involved in patient transport, a share that has significantly increased compared to less than 20% at the beginning of the 2000s.
Dominique Buisson, the general secretary of the National Taxi Federation (FNDT), explained that they already have ideas for the movement but will discuss them together during a meeting this Wednesday, August 20, at 5 p.m. The federations have threatened to block airports and train stations in major cities during the mobilization.
The new reform aims to address the issue of "empty returns" once the patient is dropped off, which will be strongly discouraged. The federation estimates that the potential loss of turnover from the reform could be as high as 30%.
However, Social Security claims that the reform will benefit the majority of taxis. The new convention, published in the Official Journal, harmonizes the reimbursement fee nationally and increases it. The mobilization is not just for taxis, but also for insured people who may be affected by the changes in the reimbursement of patient transport.
The increase in healthcare transport costs can be attributed to patients having more appointments and traveling further due to the remoteness of healthcare centers. The mobilization, which had a first wave in May and June, is a response to these changes and the potential impact on the taxi industry.
The FNDT and taxi federations will meet this Wednesday to define the details of the movement. They urge the government to reconsider the reform, arguing that it could have a significant impact on both the taxi industry and the healthcare system.
