In a report published this Monday, the Court of Auditors denounces France’s “very mediocre” results in the area of perinatal health. And this despite increasing investments (+ 9% between 2016 and 2021).
What is the problem ? France is at 22e rank out of 34 European countries in terms of neonatal mortality. “If the French neonatal mortality rate had been identical to that of the best European countries, almost 40% of the deaths recorded in France between 2015 and 2017 could have been avoided, or 2,079 children,” notes the report.
“Inadequate care provision”
At issue: “a care offer that is unsuitable for current perinatal issues”, which “does not meet the requirements for optimal safety or efficiency in the organization of the care offer”. Around twenty maternity wards still deviate from the minimum threshold of 300 annual deliveries, set in 1998 with regard to requirements for quality and safety of care, notes the Court.
“Regarding neonatal critical care, the strong disparities observed between regions make it necessary to strengthen the offer in certain territories. Finally, women with high-risk pregnancies should always be able to be followed in establishments able to manage their possible complications. These findings call for a review of the organization of perinatal care,” argues the report.
Furthermore, the Court calls for better support for parents, before or after childbirth. And calls for “to postpone the ongoing dismantling of the return home support service “Prado maternity through health insurance” which “has demonstrated its effectiveness and should be maintained. »
