Since 2021, French labor laws have mandated case-by-case evaluations for candidates with chronic illnesses, who were previously barred from roles within the military, police, and fire services due to health conditions such as diabetes or asthma. Yet, the implementation of this legislation remains inconsistent and largely ignored.
This issue came to light recently as various patient associations decried the failure of policies intended to provide equal opportunity for individuals with chronic health conditions. Boris, a 40-year-old warehouse worker, dreamt of becoming a gendarme. Despite successfully passing the competition and his relevant experience, he faced rejection during the medical checkup.
"The gendarmerie doctor simply told me they do not accept Type 1 diabetics," Boris recounted. Although he demonstrated his health status with medical documentation, he received the abrupt decision of 'unfit for service', stifling his aspirations.
The regulations dictate strict eligibility criteria for military roles, often based on outdated assessments of chronic conditions. According to the Gendarmerie, all personnel must be able to undertake severe missions, posing health risks to individuals with certain chronic medical conditions.
According to the Ministry of the Armed Forces, the assessment relies on SYGICOP, which evaluates health conditions on a scale from 1 (fully fit) to 6 (not fit). For example, inflammatory bowel diseases are scored at 5, leading to complications for candidates hoping to serve.
While the law introduced new guidelines, patient groups see these as empty promises. The Minister of the Armed Forces suggested updates to integrate reservists who are Type 1 diabetics, yet no tangible changes have occurred.
Jeanne Prat-Diquelou, a legal expert within the French Diabetes Federation, pointed out the discrepancies: "I recently assisted someone rejected from the reserves solely because of their Type 1 diabetes."
Despite government announcements, the armed forces cling to antiquated classification methods, contributing to the systemic discrimination against candidates with chronic illnesses.
Boris recounted his dismay when he approached the national police after being turned down by the gendarmerie. Even there, he faced negativity with one doctor insisting he would not be accepted. "There’s no consideration of my good health or the technology I utilize to manage my diabetes," Boris stated, pointing out the ignorance of his current device's operation.
This broad issue extends beyond individual instances, as associations like AFA Crohn RCH report continual rejections of applicants with stabilized health conditions.
Yet, the police have claimed to abandon SYGICOP's strictures. Still, those involved share experiences of being turned away even with stable and manageable conditions, creating frustration and disillusionment.
Boris articulated the sentiment shared by many: "It’s mere communication. We’re filled with hope, only to be disappointed."
The call for overdue reform has come from various stakeholders. "Existing criteria have become archaic, failing to recognize advancements in treatment and management for chronic health issues," noted Ronan, who has also been denied admittance due to Crohn's disease.
Judicial routes have become the next step for some individuals resisting dismissal. Support groups, combined with legal assistance, are increasingly engaging with the formal justice system.
"I’ve helped several individuals facing discrimination succeed in their appeals, but the issues persist as defenses continue to arise against justified applications," Prat-Diquelou added.
Frustrated, Boris filed a complaint against the Ministry of the Interior, hoping to finally fulfill his ambition to serve within law enforcement. Despite public silence from the national police department on this matter, voices demanding change insist on pushing the conversation forward.
Greater flexibility and genuine recognition for chronic illness within employment assessments are clearly needed. Until then, many individuals, like Boris and Ronan, will continue facing unnecessary obstacles based on outdated paradigms.