France's health territories reform, known as 'Territoires de santΓ©,' is a government initiative to decentralize healthcare management and improve access to medical services across regions. As of June 2026, the reform is in its early implementation phase, with pilot projects launched in several regions in 2025, according to the French Ministry of Health.
The reform aims to address healthcare disparities by creating local health agencies with greater autonomy in resource allocation and service planning. A 2025 report from the French Senate highlighted that the pilot projects have shown mixed results, with some regions reporting improved coordination between hospitals and primary care providers, while others faced challenges in funding and staffing.
Key features of the reform include the integration of digital health tools, such as telemedicine platforms, and the establishment of regional health councils to involve local stakeholders. The government plans to evaluate the pilot projects by the end of 2026 before expanding the reform nationwide.
Critics, including healthcare unions, have raised concerns about potential inequalities in resource distribution and the risk of underfunding in rural areas. However, the Ministry of Health has stated that adjustments will be made based on pilot outcomes to ensure equitable access.
