France seeks medics for heatwave

The BBC reports:

The French Health Minister Xavier Bertrand has urged medical students and retired doctors to help in hospitals during the current heatwave.

The heat has now claimed 23 lives in France, reviving memories of the 2003 summer when 15,000 people died.

Surgeons, anaesthetists and obstetricians at private clinics went on strike on Monday, in a row over fees and rising insurance premiums.

Their UCDF union said the strike hit 600 out of some 900 private clinics.

Some clinics have closed, while others are open but without operating theatres.

French officials have expressed fears that public hospitals could be overwhelmed if private facilities are unavailable.

Great moments in socialism.The Welfare State doesn't seem to be too compassionate.