The BPCE Group has announced a three-year partnership between Banque Populaire, Caisse d’Epargne, and Médecins Solidaires to tackle the issue of medical deserts in France. The collaboration aims to finance health centers and recruit general practitioners to serve rural areas lacking medical services.
Médecins Solidaires mobilizes voluntary doctors, including new, established, and retired practitioners, through a "shared time" system. This rotation allows the establishment of health centers in underserved regions, providing primary care to patients who lack access to doctors.
Several BPCE institutions already support this effort. Caisse d’Epargne Auvergne Limousin assists Médecins Solidaires with banking needs, while three Banque Populaire branches have funded health centers in various locations, including Bellegarde-en-Marche and Chantenay-Saint-Imbert. This initiative aligns with BPCE's Vision 2030 strategy, focused on local solutions and positive impact.
Banque Populaire and Caisse d’Epargne, which hold a 20% market share among general practitioners, are key players in supporting Médecins Solidaires. The association plans to open 16 new centers by 2026, bringing the total to 21.
With 87% of France considered a medical desert, this partnership aims to address the healthcare crisis. Nearly 500,000 people with long-term illnesses currently lack access to a primary care physician. BPCE, along with public and private partners, is committed to finding solutions.
Hélène Madar, Managing Director of BPCE Group, emphasized the importance of mobilizing resources to improve healthcare access in all regions, while Martial Jardel, President of Médecins Solidaires, praised the strong collaboration to provide innovative healthcare solutions in rural areas.
