The French doctors curing 'medical deserts' a week at a time

Mayor Rouchon (second from right) and Jardel during the opening ceremony of the new practice in the village of Ajain, in central France. Photo: Thomas Marty/Ajain municipality/dpa

When the last family doctor in the village of Ajain in central France retired two years ago and no successor was found, the community of 1,150 inhabitants did not give up.

Using signs at the village entrance and a video call in regional and national media, Ajain looked for a new doctor, initially without success, amid a growing nationwide shortage of rural practitioners.