Paris: Thousands of health workers throughout France have been suspended without paying failed to be vaccinated against Covid-19 ahead of the deadline this week, the Health Minister Olivier Veran said Thursday.
“Several 3,000 suspensions were notified yesterday to employees at the center and health clinic that had not been vaccinated,” Veran said to RTL Radio.
He added that “several dozens” had submitted resignation rather than registering for Jab.
It was proportional to 2.7 million overall health workers, said Veran, added that “sustainable health care is guaranteed”.
President Emmanuel Macron gave staff in hospitals, retirement homeworkers and ultimatum fire services in July to get at least one shot on September 15 or faced unpaid suspension.
Many nurses especially reluctant to vaccinate, citing safety problems or efficacy, pose a risk that France’s inoculation drive can stop.
The French National Community Health Agency was estimated last week that around 12 percent of hospital staff and about six percent of doctors in private practices have not been vaccinated.
Overall, 70 percent of France has received both doses needed to be fully vaccinated, which are available to everyone over the age of 12 – one of the highest levels in the world.
But 74 percent have only one dose, showing that many people survive against Jab despite the availability of widespread.