Section
Health
Chief physician pay: why averages and top figures diverge
With chief physician salaries, the average, the pay band and the top figure tell different stories. The cost debate needs comparable data instead of individual headlines.
Birth in Brazil: why Russian families take the long route
Russian families travel to Brazil to give birth. Behind this lie citizenship law, mobility and future security – combined with medical and legal risks.
Federal Court orders case-by-case review of osteopathy diplomas
The Federal Court returns two osteopathy cases to the SRK for reassessment. Formal hurdles must not replace the review of training and professional experience.
A Sunday Alone Is Not Yet a Lonely Sunday
Being alone can restore, loneliness can weigh heavily. Swiss data and research show why the number of contacts tells only part of the story.
Calm does not begin at the mountain summit
Recovery does not need complete silence. Why Switzerland should take quiet places in the residential environment as seriously as a trip into the green.
A digital break does not work through the off switch alone
Less smartphone can improve well-being. But studies over several weeks are no proof of the effect of a single screen-free Sunday.
Dementia in Switzerland: 166,300 affected — and still major data gaps
The number of people affected is an estimate, and the costs so often cited date from 2017. Why Switzerland must record its dementia care more precisely.
Mushroom foraging: an app cannot yet spot a safe dinner
Before a mushroom outing, it is not only the smartphone that needs charging. Why an inspection point, foraging rules and proper transport matter more than a species suggestion.
Psychiatry tariff cap: What remains open before the decision
The planned tariff cap also covers psychiatry and psychotherapy in principle. A blanket exemption is missing; approval and consequences remain open.
Emergency fee: Why the surcharge would also hit genuine emergencies
The Council of States rejects the emergency fee. A look at the draft shows that referral and deductible would count – not urgency alone.
EFAS unifies payment, but not the provision of care
EFAS removes a misaligned incentive between outpatient and inpatient care. But new data show that use, costs and organisation of hospital outpatient care vary widely from canton to canton.
Rare Diseases: The Long Path to Correct Diagnosis
Over half a million people in Switzerland are estimated to live with a rare disease. New legal foundations will ensure stable funding for specialized care and advice. For affected individuals, reducing lost time in diagnosis and treatment is the main priority.
Swiss Medtech Grows, But Domestic Job Creation Stalls
Swiss Medtech firms see revenue growth, but job creation lags. The latest industry data reveals crucial insights into Switzerland's appeal as a business location and the future of domestic employment.
Xylitol and Heart Risk: What the New Study Really Shows
High blood xylitol levels are linked to increased cardiovascular events. The data warrants attention but does not justify panic or hasty prohibitions.
Health Insurance Premiums 2027: Forecasts Diverge Widely
Bonus.ch predicts an increase of 4.5 to 5 percent. The SMSR, however, deems an increase of no more than 2 to 2.5 percent adequate. Official premiums for 2027 will be announced in autumn.
TARDOC: Health Insurers Announce Reimbursement Claims – Specialists Under Scrutiny
Switzerland implemented the new TARDOC outpatient tariff system on January 1, 2026. It aimed to correct a long-standing imbalance between primary care and specialized fields. Initial analyses by health insurers suggest this goal is only partially achieved. Compensation in some specialist areas is growing more than anticipated, while general practice medicine has not been strengthened as planned, according to the General Practitioners' Association and insurers. Concurrently, health insurers have identified billing patterns they intend to investigate further, announcing reimbursement claims for confirmed cases.
Dental Products from Temu: How Safe is Direct Import for Swiss Dentists?
Some dental practices reportedly order dental products directly from Temu or AliExpress. However, clear rules apply to medical devices, even when purchased online.
Pediatrician Shortage: Why Your Canton of Residence Matters
While Geneva is well-served, pediatricians are lacking elsewhere. A new study shows how significantly the canton of residence affects pediatric care – and why part-time work is not the full explanation.
Doctors Again Demand Health Insurer Reserve Reduction
Billions in reserves, rising premiums: Doctors demand that health insurers use their financial buffer more to relieve policyholders. However, a reduction in reserves would have limits – and would not solve the cost problem in healthcare.
Postpartum Depression: One in Six Mothers Affected
One in six mothers in Switzerland experiences postpartum depression after childbirth. A new federal report highlights gaps in care provision and outlines potential support measures.
Outpatient Before Inpatient – Hospitals Still Need Both
Switzerland aims to shift treatments from hospitals to homes. But reality is more complex than the political slogan suggests: Outpatient services are growing, yet inpatient business also increases. This means more options for patients, but poses a difficult cost question for the healthcare system.
AI from Bern Improves Cardiac Risk Assessment
Not everyone with the same heart condition faces the same risk. Researchers in Bern developed two AI models that integrate various medical data. The results are promising, but widespread clinical application still requires further development and validation.
Mental Illnesses Almost Double Worldwide – What Does This Mean for Switzerland?
A new Lancet study reports 1.17 billion affected people globally. Comparable long-term data is lacking for Switzerland, yet mental health remains a significant challenge there.
West Nile Virus: 232 Cases in Greece, Switzerland Calm
West Nile cases are sharply increasing in Greece. Switzerland registered its first local case in 2025. How significant is the risk for travellers and residents?
USZ: One Third of Bypass Surgeries Minimally Invasive
The University Hospital Zurich (USZ) performs approximately one-third of all isolated bypass surgeries minimally invasively. The clinic considers itself a pioneer in Switzerland.
St. Gallen Expands Medical Master – Without HSG
The University of Zurich will take over the Medical Master's program in St. Gallen from 2030. Student places are set to increase from 40 to 100.
FMCH Demands Moratorium for TARDOC Upper Limit
The FMCH umbrella organisation calls for a moratorium on new flat-rate caps in the outpatient tariff. It demands that TARDOC's evaluation metrics be reviewed first.
New General and Sports Medicine Center in Fribourg
On September 1, Clinique Générale Sainte-Anne in Fribourg opens a general and sports medicine center. Three FMH specialists will treat patients regardless of insurance status.
Psychotherapy: Commission Requires Psychiatric Diagnosis
The National Council's Health Committee wants to reimburse psychological psychotherapy only after a psychiatric diagnosis. Psychotherapists are protesting strongly, with over 2,000 having signed a petition.
Ojemda: New Drug Approved for Pediatric Brain Tumors
Swissmedic has approved Ojemda (Tovorafenib) for children with low-grade glioma. The authorization is temporary. The medication is administered once per week.
Aarberg Hospital Discontinues Surgery: Focus on Orthopedics
The Insel Gruppe discontinues inpatient surgery at Aarberg Hospital. The facility will now focus on orthopedics, geriatric medicine, and internal medicine.
Dental Radiology: Suspected Fraud in Western Switzerland
A dentist in Western Switzerland allegedly billed for radiological services without obtaining the required approvals. The public prosecutor's office has launched an investigation into the suspected billing fraud.
Premium Reductions: Deadline Ends October 31
Individuals with lower incomes can apply for reduced health insurance premiums in Switzerland. The general deadline for the upcoming year is October 31, 2026. Learn about the application process and required documents.
Insel Gruppe Confirms Positive Trajectory with Business Results
Insel Gruppe has presented its annual financial statement. The figures confirm the chosen growth path, while also raising questions about future financing.
PERMA Model: Five Steps to Greater Mental Resilience
Mental burdens are increasing. The PERMA model promises more resilience through positive emotions, engagement, and meaning. Experts explain how the concept works in practice.
Moderna Cancer Vaccine Shows Promising Results
A new cancer vaccine from Moderna shows promising results, according to Bloomberg. mRNA technology may fundamentally change cancer therapy. Swiss research institutions are actively involved in its development and clinical trials.
US Price Pressure Risks Swiss Drug Supply
Increasing US price pressure on new medicines could hinder the availability of crucial drugs in Switzerland. Experts warn of negative consequences for patient care.
Psychotherapy Costs Rise: National Council Committee Calls for Stricter Rules
A National Council committee proposes stricter rules for psychotherapy access. This follows a sharp increase in basic health insurance costs. Specific details of planned measures are pending.