Hospitals Zurich Cantonal Council grants millions in aid for children's hospital

On Monday, the Zurich Cantonal Council unanimously approved two supplementary loans for the financially troubled children's hospital. Nevertheless, the hospital was criticized from all sides. The SP would prefer to nationalize the hospital.

The subsidy of a maximum of CHF 35 million for the current year and a loan of CHF 50 million for the new building were basically uncontroversial - but the cantonal council only gave its approval grudgingly. There was a hail of criticism and admonishing words from all sides.

"He who pays, commands," said Tobias Langenegger (SP, Zurich), referring to a motion by his party calling for the children's hospital to be run by the canton. This is currently run by a private foundation. The FDP wants to go a little less far. "If the state subsidizes, state supervision is unavoidable," said Beat Habegger (FDP, Zurich).