So what happened so that the stock of masks in France rose, between 2011 and today, from 1.4 billion (including 800 million surgical masks and 600 million FFP2 called "duckbills") to 150 million (including no FFP2)? Indirectly questioned by the government, which emphasizes that the doctrine of stockpiling changed in 2013 under the mandate of François Hollande, the Minister of Health for the previous five-year period, Marisol Touraine (2012-2017), replies. Exclusive interview.
The government of Jean-Marc Ayrault, of whom you were Minister of Health, is implicated for having allowed the stock of masks to collapse. What do you say?
MARISOL TOURAINE . I regret that, in this context, some want to feed unnecessary controversies. During François Hollande's five-year term, France was prepared, because we, too, had crises to manage. We showed it against Ebola, and I was accused at the time of doing too much! We showed it in the face of the attacks. Let's come to the numbers. Between 2012 and 2017, stocks of surgical masks increased steadily, and we replenished them after the attacks: there were 730 million surgical masks in 2012, and 754 million in 2016 and 2017. And this, in accordance with the doctrine laid down in 2011 by the High Council of Public Health, which had given priority to surgical masks.
What are the numbers when it comes to FFP2 masks?
A few tens of millions, around 75 million in 2015. Beyond the figures, what matters is being able to have the minimum stocks required and being able to react immediately to order them. and produce them quickly at the slightest signal of a crisis.
Precisely, has the government delayed too long in relaunching orders on March 3?
I want to salute the way in which Olivier Véran has been managing this crisis since his appointment (Editor's note: February 16) , in transparency and responsibility. Including on the masks. As soon as he arrived, he made the necessary decisions. It is not true that some people claim that there is a shortage because we have not done the right thing. One of the questions that we will have to deal with next is the European relocation of our production. In the meantime, we must be united in the face of this extremely serious epidemic and, without ambiguity, I assure the government and Olivier Véran of my full support. I would like to salute the commitment of everyone, from the head of state to each citizen, and especially the caregivers on the front line.
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VIDEO. Coronavirus: the Minister of Health defends himself on the lack of masks
In 2013, the General Secretariat for National Defense (SGDN), attached to Matignon, decided that the responsibility for building up stocks of masks would fall to employers, private and public. It's a major change!
In 2013, there was an opinion from the SGDN which said that each community, company or establishment is responsible for its stocks, because the State cannot store everything. This is what the town hall of Paris and the Ministry of Health did for emergencies. It is not a change of doctrine, it is a decentralization. This is the reason why certain establishments or communities today make stocks available to retirement homes or carers.
Was this decision made to save money?
Not at all. There was a logic of proximity and responsiveness.
Some accuse you of having abolished the Establishment for Preparing and Responding to Health Emergencies (Eprus).
Let's avoid untruths. It has not been deleted but attached to Santé Publique France, which is an internationally recognized agency with efficiency.
How long should containment last?
I launch a solemn appeal to everyone to strictly respect the rules of this confinement. It is vital. The doctors will decide, but I think we have to be ready for several weeks.
Should it be hardened, as in Italy?
We need an economic activity to guarantee the supply of our supermarkets, the manufacture of masks etc. But yes, it will undoubtedly have to be hardened. It is also important to make it clear that the end of confinement will not mean a return to recklessness.
Has Europe been there?
There was a delay in lighting, on the side of the ECB as well as European authorities, but everyone is now mobilized. I hope that this dramatic test will allow a European start. In France as at European level, we are stronger, when faced with an epidemic or any major crisis which knows no borders, when we are united.
What inspires you Agnès Buzyn, who accuses the executive of having underestimated the crisis?
The aftermath of defeat is difficult ...
Should the municipal ones be maintained?
The question is no longer there, it is now behind us. Let's focus on the essential, which is the fight against the epidemic.