From 2026, we will have to save 300 million francs per year in the health sector. This is the “realistic” objective set by players in the sector following a round table led on Monday by Federal Councilor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider.
Initiated by the Minister of the Interior Elisabeth Baume-Schneider, the meeting to control health costs brought together representatives of the cantons, doctors (FMH), hospitals (H+), health funds (santésuisse and curafutura ), the pharmaceutical industry (scienceindustries), patient organizations, the academic world as well as the Price Monitor.
The various stakeholders have agreed on the objective of achieving annual savings of around 300 million francs from 2026, announces a press release from the Federal Department of the Interior. An amount which is equivalent to 1% of health insurance premiums.
A group of experts, in which all participants in the round table are represented, will develop new concrete measures, in the short and medium term.
A collective responsibility
“It is important to take our respective and collective responsibilities,” said the head of the DFI during a press briefing in Bern. These objectives are ambitious but “realistic”, clarified Elisabeth Baume-Schneider.
Each partner must be able to make and accept compromises. The amount of 300 million was calculated on reasonable savings capacities, based on figures from recent years. No revolution therefore, but the desire to preserve a quality health system, according to the Jurassienne. The strengthening of basic care and the digitalization of health are discussed.
Administrative overload in the health sector was also mentioned during the round table. An analysis is underway within the Federal Office of Public Health. A working group will have to analyze ways to reduce it.
Reforms in progress
Efforts are made on the one hand through legislative projects, such as the two cost containment programs submitted by the Federal Council to Parliament, the counter-proposal to the cost containment initiative, or even the encouragement of treatments outpatient services thanks to the uniform financing of services (EFAS reform, up for vote on November 24), recalled the Federal Councilor.
On the other hand, cost control also involves short-term decisions that do not require changes to laws. In recent years, the Federal Council has taken various measures which have helped to limit the increase in premiums.
“No dilution of responsibilities”
Several health stakeholders, however, regretted not being more involved in their development. An appeal heard by Elisabeth Baume-Schneider, who however clarified that in the event of disagreements between the actors, she would get involved and take decisions with the Federal Council. “There will be no dilution of responsibilities.”
The next round tables will take place in May and October 2025. Proposals for measures will come from the participants in the round table and the OFSP, but also from the population who will be invited, from spring 2025, to submit their ideas in a box to electronic letters.
ats/miro
