We have long wait times here in the U.S. too, at least in my experience. Two months for my last specialist, three weeks for a gp. This isn't a competition, so please don't take it that way; what I'm saying is that, despite your anecdote, I'm desperate for your healthcare (at least I think I am). I'm really curious if there are situations there, akin to those faced by the uninsured here, where corners are cut to save costs and the patient is left abandoned with a partial diagnosis / misdiagnosis.
French hospitals are underfunded and desesperate right now. They cut corners everytime they can, often on the back of nurses and mediacl assistants (who are wholly underpaid). Doctors are in an okay position, but some specialties lack specialists (especially in position where French medical education is really good, or very lucrative: i.e. surgery and anesthesia). We are far from a great medical country. I would happily give another 100€ per month to resolve those issue (and i do somehow with not asking for rembursment after consultations as i can easely afford those).
