21.09.2007 ALPNIDF EU AFD against discrimination IDF Europe – 22nd September 2007 AFD against discrimination in France AL PHAM, AFD Executive Director

21.09.2007 ALPN IDF EU AFD against discrimination

IDF Europe – 22nd September 2007

AFD against discrimination in France

AL PHAM, AFD Executive Director


Why do patients need protection in France?

Patient Linving with Diabetes: • well treated, also with the support of

AFD since 1938• but with reduced social life because:• Legal restrictions for access to certain

sports, professionnal activities and insurance

• Particularly negative image of diabetes


AFD’s responses

1. 1989: loan insurance at “juste prix”2. 1997: AllôDiabète®, call centre for all

francophone PLD, for advice and support on daily life and social services

3. 2001: AFD’s first legal action - a success!


The turning point

1. In 2001, government reformed health system to limit patient’s choice for hospitalisation and reimbursement

2. Arguing the contradiction beetwen this reform and the general principle of french health system, AFD filed 31 proceedings

3. 30 with succes: patients were reimbursed !


Outcome: creation of a legal service

2002, AFD:• Opens call centre for legal problems• Puts in place a legal advisor, • Creates privileged relationship with a

law firm • Sets up its Legal Committee• Covers certain legal expenses


Results …

2002 / 2006: about 400 files treated1. 60% employment problems, 40%

penal actions2. 75% mediated by legal advisor /

25% sent to our law firm


… results

Files treated by law firm1. 50% taken to court (1/3 ongoing, 1/3

won, 1/3 lost)2. 50%: settled out of court, some of

them only for lawyer’s advice


At the end of 2006, AFD decided to confirm

its legal protection program


Positive returns

• Legal knowledge of medical problems• Free expertise for our members• The vast majority resolved agreeably• Active participation of our 127 local

associations • Unique system in France


Since 2007: some improvements in process

AFD:• Contracts with user to engage the

patient until the end of the action• Mediates actions to make legal

process more effective• Promotes its legal protection

towards patients


2007: a few figures

• 73 Keuros/year for legal Protection• 40 Keuros/year for legal media plan• 300 media quotes• Every 2 years: publishing a social and

legal guide for patients• 2 employees• 127 local contacts for patients assistance • 1 call centre, 1 web site


... just a summary of AFD’s actions against discrimination .

Documents

21.09.2007 ALPNIDF EU AFD against discrimination IDF Europe – 22nd September 2007 AFD against discrimination in France AL PHAM, AFD Executive Director