Medical deserts in Dordogne: with 25,000 consultations, the success of a health center

The Sanilhac facility celebrated its first anniversary. Thanks to it, all residents of the town have access to a primary care physician.

A lush oasis in the middle of the (medical) desert. General practitioners, midwives, podiatrists, physiotherapists, psychologists, nurses... The healthcare offered by the multi-professional university health center (MSPU) in Sanilhac, a town with a population of 4,700, easily met demand.

The organization celebrated its first anniversary on Tuesday, June 10. A small celebration was organized by the town hall, with champagne provided by healthcare professionals. "This achievement is a testament to the desire to never give up […]. This story is a win-win for the city, a win-win for the doctors, and a win-win for the patients," said the town's mayor, Jean-Louis Amelin.

The speeches didn't need to be long to understand the success of the MSPU . Dr. William Mirat, the cornerstone of the system, preferred to talk figures: "25,000 consultations have been carried out since the opening of the health center. According to Social Security, there is no longer anyone without a doctor in the commune of Sanilhac."

The announcement was immediately followed by applause. Émilie Labrot, municipal councilor delegated to the communications committee, assessed the progress made: "Before the project, around 60% of Sanilhac residents did not have a doctor."

The town's residents are therefore medically monitored, and certainly for a long time, as the average age of practitioners working at the MSPU is... 37! "They have a modern vision of medicine, they're up to date with the latest developments," rejoices Clara, an intern for several weeks. Maxime, a predecessor who returned for the ceremony, clarifies this thought: "Consultation meetings between all the professionals are organized for certain cases, this allows us to move forward together."

The team of 10 practitioners may well continue to expand in the coming months. "This isn't a problem because the structure was designed to be scalable," insists Jean-Louis Amelin. The bio-sourced building cost nearly €2.5 million.

An investment that the mayor does not regret: "There isn't a day that goes by that a resident doesn't talk to me about this health center." A success that is anything but trivial just a year before the municipal elections.