Di, Feb 6th 2024
The Fribourg Cantonal Hospital is set for a financial revival with a 175 million francs boost from the state, marking a significant step towards addressing its prolonged financial woes.
The Fribourg Cantonal Hospital, long burdened by financial difficulties, is poised for a turnaround with a substantial 175 million francs support from the state. This move follows the Grand Council’s decree, signaling a fresh start for the hospital.
A strategic allocation of CHF 70 million is earmarked for the planning phase of a new cantonal hospital adjacent to the existing location. Additionally, a 105 million francs guarantee will bolster investment in the hospital’s ongoing operations.
The decree won overwhelming support in the Grand Council, with 99 votes in favor against only 3, showcasing unanimous acknowledgment of the hospital’s pressing need for this “large oxygen cylinder,” as termed by centrist politician Bruno Boschung. Echoing this sentiment, Elias Moussa from the SP highlighted the necessity for a comprehensive solution over a mere temporary fix.
The backdrop to this financial aid is a series of challenging years for the Fribourg Cantonal Hospital, with its finances consistently in the red. The situation became notably dire in 2016 when the hospital recorded a 7 million francs deficit, a trend that worsened over the years with annual losses ranging between 12 and 15 million francs.
By the close of 2022, the accumulated deficit stood at a staggering 59 million francs, breaching the statutory limit and setting a three-year clock for financial remediation.
This significant financial maneuver is poised for a democratic verdict at the ballot box on June 9. Concurrently, the electorate will deliberate on the “For 24/24 public hospital emergency admissions close to the people” initiative versus a counter-proposal, focusing on ensuring round-the-clock public emergency services across the canton’s key regions.
©Keystone/SDA
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