France, April 28 -- French doctors and medical interns were on strike Monday and they are planning demonstrations across the country Tuesday to protest against bill in the National Assembly and government proposals aimed at addressing the problem of medical deserts, which they say puts undue constraints on the profession.

A large part of the medical profession has denounced the proposals as ineffective, adding constraints that open the door to what they say is the end of their independence and freedom to work where they want.

Doctors in private practice currently can open a practice anywhere, working independently within the public health system.

But many parts of the country do not attract enough doctors, creating what are called medi...