Government cost-cutting threatens thermal spas in Charente Maritime

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The three thermal spa towns of Rochefort, Jonzac and Saujon could suffer dire economic consequences if a proposal by UMP's Yves Bur is approved.  The proposal to restrict the amount of reimbursement for prescribed treatments from 65% to 35% means that the spa facilities, a key economic element in these towns, may not survive.

Doctors can currently prescribe a course of spa treatment once a year, with the health service picking up the tab for the majority of the cost.  Around 22,000 patients receive treatment per year in Charente-Maritime, 13,000 of which come to Rochefort.  Mayor Bernard Grasset (PS) is outraged at the proposal, and the effects it could have on his town.  "It's a catastrophe, if this proposal is passed... the effect could be worse than the departure of the Navy in 2002."

Spa treatments, which many people regard as a luxury activity, are seen here as a realistic treatment in their own right, and deserving of the state reimbursement.  Studies by the French Association for Thermal Research have shown that the treatments, when used in parallel with conventional treatments, are effective.  Patients require fewer drugs and take less time off work with sickness in the period following a treatment.

The government could save around 40 million euros if the proposal is accepted, but critics say the overall financial consequences could be much heavier.  The proposal was adopted last week by the Commission for Social Affairs, but will have to be validated by the National Assembly before it can be implemented.