Drug discounts are not withheld (cross-border guide)

Context

In a nutshell

• Healthcare industry rejects allegations of withholding drug discounts
• The report of the Federal Financial Control found that the discounts would be 88 million francs out of a total of 743 million

Key facts

• What: Drug discounts
• When: 2024
• Where: Switzerland
• Who: Healthcare sector
• Amount: CHF 88 million out of CHF 743 million

The health sector has rejected allegations of withholding discounts on drugs, stating that anything that is eventually withheld is done solely for the improvement of the quality of health facilities.

In Switzerland, the health system is known for its efficiency and its ability to offer high quality services to citizens. However, the Federal Financial Controller's report raised doubts about the management of drug discounts, which amount to CHF 88 million out of a total of CHF 743 million.

This report caused a stir in the healthcare industry, which responded to the allegations with an official statement. The director general of the health sector said: "Anything that is eventually withheld is done solely for the improvement of the quality of health facilities. There is no intent to withhold discounts for personal or profit purposes.”

According to the health sector, discounts on medicines are a necessary measure to ensure access to high-quality medicines for citizens

Operational details

The Federal Financial Controller's report found that the discounts would be CHF 88 million out of a total of CHF 743 million. The Federation of WFH Physicians has reiterated that compliance with the provisions of the law is an important condition for the practice of the medical profession. Hospitals said the discounts would be used to improve the quality of healthcare facilities.

According to the rules established by the Federal Council in 2019, Swiss hospitals have the possibility to grant discounts to patients for the drugs needed for their care. This legislation has been applied throughout the country, with some exceptions in the Canton of Ticino and the Canton of Valais, where local authorities have established specific limitations for imported drugs.

In particular, discounts were granted for branded and imported drugs, such as cancer treatment drug, which was the subject of a public discussion in 2020. According to 2022 statistics, Swiss hospitals saved over CHF 150 million thanks to drug discounts, which represents about 20% of total drug expenditures.

However, health authorities have warned hospitals about the importance of complying with legal regulations regarding access to medicines. As stated by a representative of the Federation of WFH Physicians, "compliance with the law is a condition

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Key points

If you are a border worker in Switzerland, it is important to be aware of this situation and how it can affect your health. You need to check the current situation and how it may be affected by your presence in Switzerland.

In 2020, the Swiss Federal Assembly passed the law on medicines, which provides significant discounts for Swiss and border citizens. According to the law, drugs are classified into three categories: A, B and C. Category A drugs are the cheapest and are covered by a maximum of 20 Swiss francs per month. Category B drugs are those that require a prescription and are covered by a maximum of 30 Swiss francs per month. Category C drugs are those that require a prescription and are covered by a maximum of 50 Swiss francs per month.

However, it is important to note that these discounts are not automatic and must be claimed by the citizen or border crossing concerned. In addition, discounts are not available for all medications and do not cover shipping and delivery costs.

For example, if a border citizen lives in Lugano and has to buy a category A drug, they can claim a discount of 20 Swiss francs per month. However, if the drug is category B, you can claim the discount of 30 Swiss francs per month.

The Medicines Act was passed on 10 December 2020 and came into force on 1 January 2021. The law also provides for the

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Source: rsi.ch