Health National Council calls for national measures to combat doctor shortage

The National Council is calling for national measures to combat the shortage of doctors in Switzerland. On Wednesday, it adopted a corresponding motion from the ranks of the SP parliamentary group - against the will of the Federal Council.

The large chamber voted in favor of the motion by former National Councillor Baptiste Hurni (SP/NE) by 97 votes to 91 with 2 abstentions. Hurni will be able to defend his motion as a member of the Council of States in the small chamber. The Council of States will decide on it as a second chamber.

If the small chamber also approves the motion, the Federal Council will have to draw up legal provisions to cover the growing demand for doctors, in particular GPs. This should ensure that enough doctors are trained throughout Switzerland.

In its rejection of the proposal, the Federal Council refers to ongoing work. The Federal Council, with the involvement of the cantons, will examine whether there is a need for further action to ensure basic care - including in the area of training and further education. In principle, responsibility for ensuring the provision of care lies with the cantons.

"The issue cannot be resolved solely by formulating new legal provisions at federal level," writes the Federal Council. The number of study places is also largely in the hands of the cantonal universities.