Cutting health costs not services, survey says
An overwhelming majority of citizen appears to be in favour of cutting health costs, but has come out against reducing health services.
The survey also found that only one in four of those interviewed backs proposals to cut spending on medicines.
The study, commissioned by the Swiss pharmaceutical industry, said that three out of five people believed that administrative costs of health insurance companies could be slashed.
The country’s health system with individual premiums and risk compensation is apparently accepted by an overwhelming majority of citizens.
In a related issue, two out of three citizens have come out in favour of vaccination against measles.
Rising health costs have become a public concern over the past few years in Switzerland.
Premiums for compulsory health insurance are expected to increase by an average 15 per cent this year, according to the Federal Health Office.
A month ago the government presented a series of planned cost-cutting measures, including a controversial fee for patients who consult a doctor, but also a proposal for a SFr200 million ($185 million) state contribution.
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