Zurich doctors to prescribe dance classes and gardening in future
Published: Wednesday, Aug 28th 2024, 18:20
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Doctors in the city of Zurich are now also issuing referrals for dance classes, gardening or debt counseling. The city parliament approved a trial for "social prescriptions" on Wednesday. It will cost 2.5 million francs.
Parliament approved the trial by 84 votes in favor to 34 against, with only the SVP and the FDP voting against. All other parliamentary groups found it sensible to supplement the healing process with non-medical services if necessary.
For example, four urban outpatient clinics will refer patients with pain or long Covid to so-called "link workers". These will then initiate the activities.
The "social prescriptions" were developed in the UK in the 1990s and are aimed at people for whom medical treatment does not bring any improvement.
©Keystone/SDA
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