More money for the AHV Mitte Schweiz wants to end blockade in health policy

At its delegates' meeting in Wettingen AG on Saturday, Mitte Schweiz adopted a manifesto for accessible and affordable healthcare for all. As guest of honor, Federal 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.

There are 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 sacrificing 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 uniform financing

The delegates' meeting on Saturday also unanimously voted in favor of the uniform financing of healthcare services (Efas). The Swiss electorate will vote on November 24 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 after the storms in Ticino, Graubünden and Valais as significant 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 was very important, with the participation of over 90 countries, including many heads of state and US Vice President Kamala Harris. "There has never been anything like it 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 were increasing 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.