Europe 1 with AFP 6:33 p.m., October 26, 2022

The Doctolib platform will push nearly 6,000 "wellness practitioners" out two months after the controversy over referenced naturopaths.

The latter "will no longer be able to use our services" and have been notified of the termination of their contracts, with a period of "six months to find another solution", says its CEO.

Two months after the controversy over naturopaths referenced by Doctolib, the French heavyweight of medical appointments announced on Wednesday "to refocus exclusively" on caregivers "referenced by the authorities", pushing towards the exit nearly 6,000 "practitioners of good -be".

"We have decided to refocus exclusively on professionals referenced by the health authorities," Doctolib president Stanislas Niox-Chateau told AFP.

Consequently, "5,700 well-being practitioners will no longer be able to use our services" and have been notified of the termination of their contracts, with a period of "six months to find another solution".

“No way to check their level of qualification”

A choice "which seems logical", in his words, after the lively controversy triggered at the end of August on social networks by caregivers accusing the platform of referencing naturopaths with dangerous practices, close to quackery and sectarian excesses.

Faced with criticism relayed by the Order of Physicians, Doctolib had initially suspended around fifteen accounts and "strengthened its verification procedures" - making it impossible in particular to make appointments before effective control of the right to practice.

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After "six weeks of consultations" with health orders, nursing unions, patient associations, etc., the ax has therefore fallen: even if "wellness activities have their place and are legal", they are not " not supervised" and there is "no way to check the level of qualification" of those who practice them, explains Stanislas Niox-Chateau.

"We take our responsibilities", adds the boss of Doctolib, acknowledging the "legitimate expectations" around his group "which has become a trusted third party in the health sector", with 170,000 caregivers subscribing to its services in France.

Even if it means immediately giving up a few million euros in income – at the rate of 100 euros per professional and per month – because “it is this confidence that will make the difference in the long term”.