If the world of health enthusiastically welcomed the appointment of Agnès Buzyn in the Macron government, the actors did not become amnesiac.
After a brilliant career as a hematologist at the hospital, the Minister of Solidarity and Health directed the National Cancer Institute (INCa) for five years before joining the High Authority for Health (HAS) in 2016. In her first functions, this university hospital was responsible for implementing the cancer plan for patients; at HAS, she had to help doctors improve medical practices with recommendations.
At the head of INCa, Agnès Buzyn has made herself the standard-bearer of an ambitious and responsible public health policy. With the priority, recalls Jean-Yves Nau in Slate, the fight against tobacco. “We must fundamentally rethink our tobacco control system in the face of this health time bomb. Medicine is running out of arguments, the time is up for political will,” she proclaimed in a column published by the newspaper. The world.
Among the measures recommended, a “drastic increase” in the price of tobacco. A commitment denied by all governments since the cancer plan (2003-2007) implemented by Jacques Chirac.
On alcohol, this specialist had shown the same determination. In 2015, Agnès Buzyn denounced the unraveling of the Evin law drawn up by deputies very attentive to wine-growing circles. “I am deeply appalled by this initiative of certain parliamentarians who obey very powerful and very well established lobbies in France, those of wine producers”, she denounced. At the time, the Minister of the Economy made his difference heard by indicating that this relaxation “did not contravene public health”. His name was Emmanuel Macron!
After the words, comes the time for actions. How will the new minister be able to align her commitments with the roadmap presented by Emmanuel Macron? The response will engage not only the health sector but also the credibility of the President of the Republic. In terms of addiction, a real risk reduction policy, detailed by Jean-Yves Nau, would be a real marker of change.
