Center Switzerland wants to end blockade in healthcare policy
Published: Saturday, Sep 7th 2024, 13:50
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At its delegates' meeting on Saturday in Wettingen AG, Mitte Schweiz adopted a manifesto for accessible and affordable healthcare for all. As guest of honor, President Viola Amherd gave an insight into her presidential year.
The manifesto "for accessible and affordable healthcare for all" stipulates that pharmacists and specially trained nursing staff should relieve the burden on doctors in primary care. GP models should be promoted and cooperation across cantonal borders increased.
It also calls for the opportunities offered by digitalization to be systematically exploited, for cost control to be improved through greater transparency and for the reimbursement of medicines to be reconsidered. In addition, patient empowerment should be strengthened.
Save 20 percent without loss of quality
The savings potential has actually been known for a long time, according to the manifesto. According to an expert report by the federal government, eight billion francs or 20 percent of the costs of compulsory health insurance could be saved without any loss of quality by avoiding waste and inefficiency.
Center President Gerhard Pfister said that the insured should not have to pay the ever-increasing costs of a healthcare system that is incapable of reform. The manifesto should help to ensure that future generations "can also count on a high-quality healthcare system that is accessible and affordable for all."
Yes to standardized financing
The delegates' meeting on Saturday also unanimously voted in favor of the uniform financing of healthcare services (Efas). On November 24, the Swiss electorate will decide on the necessary amendment to the Health Insurance Act. Efas is intended to create an incentive for a shift from inpatient to outpatient treatment and thus curb the rise in premiums.
At the delegates' meeting, President Viola Amherd gave an insight into her year as President. She cited the visits to Ticino, Graubünden and Valais following the storms as some of her most memorable experiences. She said that she repeatedly experienced exciting and important encounters, from contact with the population to official state visits.
The peace conference on the Bürgenstock, with the participation of over 90 countries, including many heads of state and US Vice President Kamala Harris, was very important. "There has never been anything like this in Switzerland. I am always thanked that Switzerland dared to organize this conference," said Amherd.
On security policy, the Defense Minister said that Switzerland must strengthen its defense capabilities. Countries such as Lithuania increased their defense budget from 3 to 4 percent of gross domestic product. "Then it is not an exaggeration if we now go from 0.7 percent to 1 percent," said Amherd. There is a need to catch up and the army should have more resources at its disposal.
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