French Health Minister Prepares Its Hospitals For War
In a significant escalation of military readiness, France has directed its hospitals to prepare for a potential large-scale conflict by March 2026.
A letter from the French Health Ministry, initially reported by the satirical weekly Le Canard enchaîné, has been confirmed by Health Minister Catherine Vautrin. The directive outlines plans for hospitals to manage between 10,000 and 15,000 casualties over a period of up to 180 days, including both French and foreign soldiers.
The Health Ministry’s letter emphasises the need for hospitals to integrate military healthcare needs into the civilian system, anticipating a surge of casualties from a potential conflict involving NATO allies. This preparation includes establishing medical staging areas near ports and airports to facilitate the rapid movement of wounded soldiers.
Minister Vautrin defended the measures, stating, “It is perfectly normal for the country to anticipate crises and their consequences,” likening the planning to strategic stockpiling. She also referenced the unpreparedness during the COVID-19 pandemic as a catalyst for the current planning efforts.
This directive comes amid broader civil defence preparations across Europe. France has also issued a 20-page survival manual, “Tous résilients,” advising citizens on how to protect themselves during armed conflicts, natural disasters, and other emergencies. The manual includes guidance on assembling a survival kit with essentials like water, canned food, batteries, and first aid supplies.
While the French government insists that these measures are precautionary and not in response to any specific threat, the timing coincides with heightened tensions in Europe, including NATO’s increased alertness ahead of Russia’s Zapad 2025 military exercises in Belarus.
The French government’s proactive approach underscores the growing concerns over potential large-scale conflicts in Europe and the need for comprehensive preparedness at both the national and local levels.
How prepared are you for a crisis that could last 180 days?
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