Doctors without permits in Switzerland: a worrying trend
In 2022, 36 doctors were banned in Switzerland, but a third continued to practice. The cantonal fragmentation of controls facilitates these developments.
Contesto
In 2022, 36 doctors banned in Switzerland, but a third continue to practice. The cantonal fragmentation of controls facilitates these deviations. ### The case of Nicholas The story of Nicholas, a 22-year-old patient who died following a medical error in an Aargau hospital, shook German-speaking Switzerland. At the heart of the case: an overdosage treatment prescribed by a doctor whose diploma was not recognized in our country. In February 2025, two doctors were convicted in La Chaux-de-Fonds. ### Gaps in the system "There have been several investigations that have shown the existence of various gaps," explains Baptiste Hurni, Neuchâtel State Councillor and Vice-President of the Swiss Patients' Organization. "A regulated profession only works if you trust the administration that controls it." ### Cantonal responsibility Authorization to practice is granted by cantonal doctors, who are therefore responsible for the checks. "There are several documents that professionals must provide us with," specifies Alessandro Cassini, cantonal doctor of Geneva. "Among these is the good standing, a declaration of good conduct from the doctor, but also the criminal record and other documents." ### The problem of fragmentation However, some doctors struck off in one canton can find themselves practicing elsewhere in the country. "It is unacceptable," denounces Michel Matter, president of the Association of Doctors of the Canton of Geneva (AMGe). "In Switzerland, if you have your right to practice revoked, you can go to another canton." ### The MedReg registry For eight years, there has been a registry, MedReg, created by the Federal Office of Public Health, which allows patients to verify if their doctor has the right to practice. However, the tool has its limits. A doctor with...
Dettagli operativi
Implications for Cross-Border Workers The phenomenon of doctors practicing without permission in Switzerland has significant implications for cross-border workers residing in Ticino and working in Switzerland. The lack of centralized control and limited access to the European registry make it difficult for patients to verify their doctors' qualifications. ### Trust in the Healthcare System Trust in the Swiss healthcare system is fundamental for cross-border workers. The possibility of unauthorized doctors practicing can undermine this trust. 'We trust the doctors. Often, their diploma is displayed in the waiting room. We see that they have studied. But beyond that, we can't know,' observes Raymonde Girard, a patient in Le Locle. ### Control Procedures Control procedures vary from canton to canton. 'If we see something that doesn't add up, we investigate with all the tools at our disposal, even by summoning the person,' continues Alessandro Cassini. However, enforcing the ban is complex. 'How do you do it? If tomorrow I lose the right to practice and on Monday I hold consultations, how can anyone notice? You would need to put a police officer in front of every practice,' asks Dominique Bünzli, a member of the Neuchâtel cantonal medical society. ### The Need for Legislative Change 'Of course, the different administrations talk to each other, but there can be multiple procedures, up to the Federal Court. The law needs to be changed,' states Michel Matter. Legislative change could improve the situation, but it requires time and coordination among the cantons. ### Practical Challenges Even when authorization is not granted or is revoked, enforcing the ban is complex. 'We assume the person will respect the decisions. It's like with a driver's license: if it's revoked...
Punti chiave
What to Do If You Suspect a Doctor Is Practicing Without a Permit If you suspect that a doctor is practicing without a permit, it is important to act promptly. Here are the steps to follow: 1. Check the MedReg registry: Verify if the doctor is registered on the Federal Administration of Medical Professions website. 2. Contact the cantonal authority: If the doctor is not registered or there are doubts, contact the competent cantonal authority. 3. Report the case: Provide all available information to the competent authority. 4. Monitor the situation: Follow the evolution of the case and ensure that the authorities take the necessary measures. ### How to Protect Yourself To protect themselves, patients can take some precautions: 1. Verify qualifications: Always check the doctor's qualifications on the MedReg registry. 2. Ask for information: Do not hesitate to ask about the doctor's training and experience. 3. Cross-check information: Compare the information provided by the doctor with that available on the registry. 4. Report any doubts: If you have doubts about the doctor's qualifications, report it to the competent authorities. ### Useful Tools For further information and to verify doctors' qualifications, you can use the qualification verification calculator and consult the MedReg registry. ### Conclusion The phenomenon of doctors practicing without a permit in Switzerland is concerning and requires immediate action. Cross-border workers must be aware of the risks and take the necessary precautions to protect their health. Authorities must improve controls and ensure transparency to maintain patients' trust. Use the qualification verification calculator to ensure that your doctor is authorized to practice. Source: rsi.ch
Punti chiave
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Frequently Asked Questions
- How can I verify if my doctor is authorized to practice?
- You can verify if your doctor is authorized to practice by consulting the MedReg registry on the website of the Federal Office of Public Health. Simply enter the professional's name to obtain the necessary information.
- What should I do if I suspect a doctor is practicing without a permit?
- If you suspect that a doctor is practicing without a permit, immediately contact the competent cantonal authority and provide all available information. You can also report the case to the relevant authorities for a thorough investigation.
- What are the consequences for a doctor practicing without a permit?
- A doctor practicing without a permit may face criminal and administrative penalties. Additionally, they may be struck off the medical register and lose the right to practice the profession in Switzerland.