At its delegate meeting on Saturday in Wettingen, Switzerland, the Central Swiss Party adopted a manifesto for accessible and affordable healthcare for all. As guest of honour, Federal President Viola Amherd gave an insight into her year as president.
07.09.2024, 12:0707.09.2024, 13:36
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. Family doctor models should be promoted and there should be more cooperation across cantonal borders.
President Gerhard Pfister welcomes Federal Councillor Viola Amherd.Image: keystone
It is also required to consistently exploit the opportunities offered by digitalization, to improve cost control with greater transparency, and to rethink reimbursement for medication. In addition, patients’ self-competence should be strengthened.
Save 20 percent without loss of quality
The potential for savings has actually been known for a long time, the manifesto states. According to a federal expert report, 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 it should not be the case that insured people have to pay the ever-increasing costs of a health system that is incapable of reform. The manifesto should help ensure that future generations “can also count on a high-quality health system that is accessible and affordable for everyone.”
Yes to uniform financing
On Saturday, the assembly of delegates also unanimously voted in favor of uniform financing of health services (EFAS). The Swiss electorate will decide on the necessary adjustment of the health insurance law on November 24. EFAS is intended to create an incentive for the shift from inpatient to outpatient treatment and thus curb the increase in premiums.
Federal President Viola Amherd gave an insight into her presidential year at the delegates’ meeting. She cited the visits after the storms in Ticino, Graubünden and Valais as notable experiences. She continues to experience exciting and important encounters, from contact with the population to official state visits.
Gerhard Pfister provides information.Image: keystone
The peace conference on the Bürgenstock was very important, with the participation of over 90 countries, including many heads of state and US Vice President Kamala Harris. “Something like this has never happened in Switzerland before. I am constantly thanked for Switzerland’s daring to organize this conference,” said Amherd.
Regarding security policy, the defense minister said that Switzerland must strengthen its defense capabilities. Countries like Lithuania increased their defense budget from 3 to 4 percent of gross domestic product. “Then it is not excessive if we now go from 0.7 percent to 1 percent,” said Amherd. There is a need to catch up and the army must have more resources at its disposal. (sda)
The first telephone directory in Switzerland
1 / 8
The first telephone directory in Switzerland
The first telephone directory in Switzerland was published in Zurich in 1880 and consists of six pages. Image: PTT archive
Locals want tourists to leave Barcelona – and are resorting to drastic measures
Video: watson
This might also interest you:
The 2038 Winter Olympics are to take place in Switzerland. The International Olympic Committee is demanding a signal of political support. The Federal Council will respond in the coming days.
In December of last year, Swiss sports dreams were dashed. Led by Swiss Ski boss Urs Lehmann, the plan was to bring the Winter Olympics to the country in six years. But the IOC put the initiators off until 2038 and gave Switzerland four years to use the access reserved specifically for Swiss Olympic.
