New General Practitioner Secured for Coudray-Montceaux Amidst Healthcare access Challenges
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A new general practitioner is expected to begin practicing in Coudray-Montceaux, Essonne, in 2026, following an announcement on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, by teh local commune. This development comes as a relief to residents concerned about access to healthcare in the region, which is facing a growing shortage of medical professionals.
Addressing a Critical Need in Île-de-France
The arrival of the new doctor is a meaningful step toward bolstering healthcare provision in Coudray-Montceaux. The initial plan to integrate a different physician into the municipal health center fell through due to “elements of an administrative nature,” according to municipal officials, which prevented the fulfillment of all regulatory requirements. The prospective doctor also had signed lease contracts in neighboring towns, Chevannes and Champcueil, but will no longer be establishing practices there.
“Residents are waiting for an answer to this problem,” stated Aurélie Gros, the mayor of Coudray-Montceaux, emphasizing the community’s need for consistent medical care. The municipality, like many others in the Île-de-France region, is engaged in a continuous search for qualified practitioners.
The Challenges of Attracting Doctors
Attracting doctors to areas like Île-de-France is a complex undertaking. “I go to meet the health professionals I know, I place advertisements, I contact the medical associations in the faculties, this gradually creates a word of mouth… there is no magic recipe,” explained Gros, who also serves as a regional councilor.The Île-de-France region is currently considered the largest medical desert in France when considering the ratio of healthcare providers to inhabitants.
The mayor acknowledged the limitations faced by local authorities, stating that while they actively seek solutions, they cannot compel private practitioners to settle in specific locations. This highlights the broader systemic challenges impacting healthcare access across the region.
Existing Healthcare Resources and Future Expansion
While awaiting the arrival of the new general practitioner, the Coudray-Montceaux municipal health center remains operational, staffed by Doctor Jouhandin, a full-time physician, and former mayor François Gros (1980-2020), who continues to provide part-time care on a voluntary basis. The center also benefits from the expertise of Doctor Nassima Elhadj, a full-time geriatrician who joined the team last September.
The center’s thorough services extend beyond general practice, encompassing a nurses’ office, an osteopath, a speech therapist, and a dentist. A second dentist is also expected to join the team shortly,further expanding the range of available care.
The ongoing efforts to recruit and retain healthcare professionals demonstrate a commitment to ensuring the well-being of coudray-Montceaux residents, despite the significant hurdles involved.
