The National Team's yes to the electronic health record

Context

In a nutshell

• Approved the electronic health record
• Green light to the agreement with Mercosur
• Support for Swiss agriculture
• New measures on generic drugs

Key facts

• Motion author: Mauro Poggia
• Agreement countries: Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay
• Agriculture financing: CHF 517 million
• Support period: 2028-2033
• Mercosur agreement votes States: 35 in favour, 7 against, 3 abstentions
• National health record votes: 134 in favour, 53 against, 10 abstentions

On Monday, the debate opened in the National Council with the new electronic health record, which received the first approval by the Federal Parliament. In the meantime, the Council of States has given the green light to the free trade agreement with the Mercosur countries, granting aid of 517 million francs for the period 2028-2033 aimed at strengthening the competitiveness of farms. These dossiers are part of the great themes that are marking the current legislature together with Bilateral III, UBS's own funds and the increase in VAT for the army. During the parliamentary session, attention focused on several crucial issues for the Swiss economy and health, touching on different areas ranging from international treaties to the digitisation of the national health sector and the management of health costs.

The debate on generic drugs and the Poggia motion

Another central theme

Operational details

The parliamentary process saw opposing views regarding international treaties and the digitalization of public and healthcare services. Regarding the free trade agreement with Mercosur countries, which includes Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay, the Council of States reiterated its support after the National Council had voted against it last June. The agreement passed to the upper house, receiving 35 votes in favor, 7 against, and 3 abstentions. Along with the trade agreement, the senators approved a financial support package of 517 million francs for the period between 2028 and 2033. This amount is specifically intended to strengthen the competitiveness of Swiss agriculture and sparked extensive discussions in the chamber before reaching a compromise aimed at protecting local producers.

The reform of the electronic health record and the phasing out of the EPD

On the domestic and healthcare front, the Federal Council's bill concerning the new electronic health record received its first green light from the National Council with 134 votes in favor, 53 against, and 10 abstentions. According to the plans outlined by the federal executive, in the future all residents in Switzerland will automatically and free of charge receive an electronic health record, unless they explicitly opt out. The new federal law will clearly define the tasks and responsibilities belonging to the Confederation and the Cantons, as well as regulate financing methods. This tool is destined to replace the previous patient electronic record, known as the EPD, which over the years has proven to be poorly used. During the plenary discussion, many national councilors highlighted the need not to repeat the mistakes made with the EPD, openly defined by several speakers as a true institutional and managerial fiasco. The old record was based on an overly complex structure, which involved numerous private providers and imposed a burdensome opening process for users. Such bureaucratic and technical obstacles meant that the actual use of the EPD remained well below the initial expectations formulated by the federal authorities.

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Key points

The ongoing parliamentary session highlights the intention to reorganize several key sectors of public administration and personal services, focusing on greater centralization and stricter cost control. Regarding the future management of the electronic patient dossier, the tool should be administered by a single community commissioned directly by the Cantons. This organizational choice was specifically designed to guarantee a rapid introduction of the system and facilitate its daily management for both citizens and health professionals. In addition to digital aspects, the legislation provides that doctors, pharmacists, physiotherapists, and other outpatient service providers will also be legally required to use the electronic health record as part of their daily professional activity. This obligation aims to create an integrated healthcare ecosystem, reducing duplication of examinations and improving coordination between the various levels of care throughout Swiss territory.

Procedure and next institutional steps

As Parliament continues its work on the legislature's major dossiers, citizens and economic operators are called upon to monitor the evolution of the regulations approved in recent weeks. Regarding the future reception of the electronic health record, resident individuals will not have to take any immediate action, as distribution will take place automatically according to the deadlines that will be established by the Federal Executive, without prejudice to the right to formally object. Regulatory developments regarding pharmaceutical expenditure and the direct importation of generics will instead require further institutional steps before finding practical application in Swiss pharmacies and hospitals. To learn more about the management of personal expenses and the impact of federal decisions on your budget, you can consult the financial planning tools available online, such as the salary and tax calculator to check your contribution and remuneration situation in Switzerland.

Source: rsi.ch