Medical security of supply initiative has come about
Published: Thursday, Dec 19th 2024, 15:40
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The federal popular initiative "Yes to the security of medical supplies" has been formally adopted. The initiative calls for the strengthening of research, development, production and storage of medicines in Switzerland.
An examination of the signature lists revealed that 108,709 of the 112,335 signatures submitted were valid, the Federal Chancellery (FC) announced on Thursday.
According to the initiators, the aim is to guarantee the supply of therapeutic products in Switzerland. There is currently a shortage of around 600 medicines in Switzerland. There is therefore an urgent need for action and the health of the population is at risk. The main reason for this is the "years of massive international price pressure" on medicines, which means that they can no longer be produced in Switzerland or Europe.
In order to curb dependence on India and China, it must be ensured that imports from "reliable supplier countries" are guaranteed, according to the initiators. Furthermore, the pharmaceutical industry in Switzerland must be strengthened and responsibility for security of supply transferred to the federal government. The cantons are currently responsible for this.
The popular initiative is backed by 20 associations, organizations and companies in the Swiss healthcare sector. These include the Association of Research-Based Pharmaceutical Companies in Switzerland (Interpharma), the umbrella organization of Swiss pharmacists (Pharmasuisse) and the Swiss Druggists' Association.
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