Day of the sick In Switzerland, 2.3 million people are chronically ill
Around 2.3 million people in Switzerland are currently chronically ill. The motto for the Day of the Sick on the first Sunday in March is "Helping people to help themselves". This is intended to encourage sick people and their relatives to seek out information and make use of existing services.
02.03.2025, 12:00
SDA
For over 85 years, the Day of the Sick has set an example for the sick and disabled with the respective Federal President and volunteers, according to the sponsoring association. On Sunday, President Karin Keller-Sutter spoke to the public.
In her speech, she explained that it was all about responsibility. Those who help others and organize their own help take on this responsibility. This is easy with physical symptoms. With mental illnesses, it is often more difficult to admit to them and seek help. There are still prejudices. One fifth of the population suffers from mental health problems.
Her husband, for example, suffered panic attacks after a medical emergency. After professional help, he was fine again, said Keller-Sutter. Many mental illnesses can be treated well. It is important to take a genuine interest in the well-being of others. This is often the first step in helping people to help themselves.
Self-improvement through knowledge
Self-help combined with the desire for improvement means becoming active, as the supporting association wrote. Relatives and those affected should learn methods or accept offers to help themselves and thus become experts who take a self-determined approach. Those who have knowledge can act correctly in an emergency or in difficult situations, which is what the "Day of the Sick" sponsoring association with its 40 members wants to point out.
It focuses on dealing with physical or mental illness as well as prevention. Knowledge about the Swiss healthcare system is also important. According to the organizers, both aspects offer good opportunities to relieve the burden on the healthcare system and alleviate the suffering of those affected.
Important support
According to the organization's findings on the added value and limitations of self-help, it has been shown that it can be an important support for patients and their relatives in everyday life. Often in an individual setting, the involvement of professional institutions has the advantage that specialists are also involved.
The Day of the Sick also aims to prepare the population for emergency assistance, dealing with the dying and with the healthcare system in general. According to the information provided, there are various offers such as first aid and last aid courses.
