What does the new electronic health record approved by the National Council provide for?

The draft law of the Federal Council provides that all persons residing in Switzerland automatically receive an electronic health record free of charge, unless they express an explicit opposition. The new legislation will define the tasks and competences of the Confederation and Cantons, replacing the previous CIP. In addition, doctors, pharmacists and physiotherapists will be required by law to use it.

What are the details of the free trade agreement with Mercosur?

The Council of States gave the green light to the trade agreement with Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay with 35 votes in favour, 7 against and 3 abstentions. Together with the agreement, a financial support of CHF 517 million was approved for the period 2028-2033 aimed at strengthening the competitiveness of Swiss farms.

What is included in the motion on generic drugs presented by Mauro Poggia?

The motion presented by Mauro Poggia and approved by the National Council with 109 votes in favour, 81 against and 7 abstentions aims to allow pharmacies, hospitals and doctors to import generic drugs directly into Switzerland without going through Swissmedic. The text calls for the costs to be covered by compulsory insurance, estimating savings of up to CHF 500 million per year.

The National Team's yes to the electronic health record (cross-border guide)

Di Redazione Frontaliere Ticino · Published on 15 September 2026

The Federal Palace in Bern during federal parliamentary health debates

The electronic health record, the Mercosur agreement and the Swiss agriculture funds have been approved in Parliament.

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.

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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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does the new electronic health record approved by the National Council provide for?: The draft law of the Federal Council provides that all persons residing in Switzerland automatically receive an electronic health record free of charge, unless they express an explicit opposition. The new legislation will define the tasks and competences of the Confederation and Cantons, replacing the previous CIP. In addition, doctors, pharmacists and physiotherapists will be required by law to use it.
What are the details of the free trade agreement with Mercosur?: The Council of States gave the green light to the trade agreement with Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay with 35 votes in favour, 7 against and 3 abstentions. Together with the agreement, a financial support of CHF 517 million was approved for the period 2028-2033 aimed at strengthening the competitiveness of Swiss farms.
What is included in the motion on generic drugs presented by Mauro Poggia?: The motion presented by Mauro Poggia and approved by the National Council with 109 votes in favour, 81 against and 7 abstentions aims to allow pharmacies, hospitals and doctors to import generic drugs directly into Switzerland without going through Swissmedic. The text calls for the costs to be covered by compulsory insurance, estimating savings of up to CHF 500 million per year.