On June 25, 2026, major organizations representing private sector doctors and private healthcare facilities in France announced a series of proposals to reform the governance of the National Order of Physicians (Ordre national des médecins). The move aims to address what they describe as an imbalance in representation within the institution.
The proposals include a call for a more equitable distribution of seats in the Order's governing bodies, reflecting the growing share of private practice in French healthcare. According to data from the French Ministry of Health, approximately 40% of physicians in France work primarily in the private sector, yet their representation in the Order's councils is significantly lower.
Dr. Jean-François Rault, president of the Union of Private Doctors (Union des médecins libéraux), stated: 'We are not seeking dominance, but parity. The current system was designed decades ago and no longer reflects the reality of medical practice.' The organizations have submitted a formal request to the Ministry of Health for a review of the Order's electoral rules.
The French National Order of Physicians, established in 1945, is responsible for regulating the medical profession, maintaining ethical standards, and representing doctors to public authorities. Its council is composed of elected members from various categories of physicians, but private sector doctors argue that the current allocation favors hospital-based and salaried practitioners.
The Ministry of Health has acknowledged receipt of the proposals and indicated that a working group will be formed to study the issue. No timeline for potential reforms has been announced.
