Riffat Kausar
Scandinavian News Agency – Finland
France has instructed its hospitals to brace for the possibility of a large-scale military conflict by March 2026, in what officials describe as a precautionary but urgent measure.
According to reports, the Ministry of Defense has sent directives to regional health agencies, calling for immediate preparations to handle a surge of war-related casualties.
During the Cold War, most European nations maintained military healthcare systems of this kind, but many of those structures were later dismantled under the belief that Europe faced no major threat in the so-called “end of history” era.
The French plan envisions the country acting as a rear medical base to treat both domestic and allied soldiers if Europe becomes involved in a “major military engagement.”
Authorities estimate hospitals may need to care for between 10,000 and 50,000 injured personnel over periods ranging from 10 to 180 days, with possible surges of up to 250 patients per day during intense phases.
The Ministry of Health is also preparing to establish staging centers near strategic transport hubs such as ports and major transit routes, ensuring that wounded soldiers can be moved quickly to medical facilities.
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