This is the latest observation established by the ARS. Medical deserts are on the rise. Three more municipalities are affected by a lack of health professionals and access to care. As was the case 6 years ago, specialists are most lacking in our region.
The latest statistics established on October 17 by the ARS on medical deserts in Martinique are not flattering. Compared to the last survey established in 2017, areas lacking doctors or access to care have increased. Three more municipalities are affected by an insufficient provision of care or characterized by difficulties in accessing care due to a lack of health professionals.
In blue, the municipalities classified as priority intervention zones. In green those characterized by insufficient care provision. In yellow those which are not medical deserts. • ©ARS Martinique
This year, the municipalities of Ducos, Riviere-Salée and Robert have extended the list of areas considered to be medical desert. This makes it all 31 municipalities in the same case.
On the map, zoning shows municipalities in blue classified as an Intervention Zone Priority (ZIP) and in green, areas characterized by insufficient healthcare provision (ZAC).
The only downside of this new map is that the municipality of Schoelcher in yellow, is no longer considered a medical desert area. This is due to the recent installation of specialists. This central municipality, with Le Lamentin and Fort-de-France is part of 3 municipalities where the healthcare offer is adapted to the demand of the population. But it is the tree that hides the forest.
According to the report established by the Union of Liberal Doctors of Martinique, there are a total of 54.7 specialist doctors per 100,000 inhabitants compared to 85.4 in France. We must add to these figures a small population of doctors under 65 in Martinique. A difference which can be explained by the lack of attractiveness of our territory. There are on average 25% fewer specialists in Martinique compared to France. There is a real shortage with pediatricians and cardiologists who are half as numerous.
This is certainly the only advantage of this observation, areas classified as priority intervention benefit from financial aid to bring doctors and facilitate their installation with equipment. This system comes from the Territory Health Pact. He participates in the installation of a young doctor who can benefit from this opportunity for 2 years. This involves encouraging the installation of young general practitioners by guaranteeing them a monthly income of €7,590. Part of this income is paid by the ARS. “We assure them of exercise qualities that correspond to their lifestyle with adapted schedules.”
A medical desert also allows for advanced consultations so that specialists can come as close as possible to the population. We are implementing a “go towards” policy.
Anne Criquet Hayot
Interviewed by Jean Marc Dabreu
Medical centers have recently been added to this system. They settle in commercial areas. Ophthalmologists or dentists are concentrated in structures equipped for specific care. They make it possible to considerably reduce waiting times for certain treatments. They are also structures that must ensure a certain output. The ARS ensures that patient safety and the quality of care are always above the commercial aspect.
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