Health and transport costs trigger flood of complaints
Switzerland’s official price watchdog has recorded a 29% increase in the number of consumer complaints last year, notably about costs in the health and public transport sectors.
This content was published on
1 minute
swissinfo.ch/ug
العربية
ar
ارتفاع تكلفة المواصلات والخدمات الصحية يُثير سيلا من الشكاوى
Stefan Meierhans says his office received more than 1,900 notifications by citizens in 2018.
His office is mandated to keep a constant eye on the development of consumer prices in a bid to prevent abuse by public and private monopolies.
The watchdog body has welcomed government plans to reduce costs for the products and services covered by basic health insurance. But it says more needs to be done to ensure a sustainable policy change.
An above-average increase in the number of complaints also focused on telecom prices, post office services and the financial sector.
The price supervisor announced that he was able to reach mutual agreements in 11 cases. He also issued some 200 recommendations, mainly about prices and tariffs in the health sector as well as in water supply and sewage services.
Meierhans told a news conference on Monday that his office has also launched an official twitter serviceExternal link in an effort to boost information for consumers in Switzerland. Until now, Meierhans used a private account to address the public.
More
More
Your questions about the cost of living in Switzerland – answered!
This content was published on
We recently sat down with Stefan Meierhans, Switzerland’s official price watchdog, and asked him questions on your behalf. Here’s what he said.
Protein in abdominal fat could help shape obesity treatment
This content was published on
The study analysed fat cells from different locations in the body, and found that those in the abdomen have unique properties.
North African asylum claims fall after rapid Swiss processing
This content was published on
The accelerated procedure, now out of its test phase, has resulted in a significant drop in applications from North African countries.
This content was published on
The artist's song "The Code" focuses on their journey as a nonbinary individual. It is one of the favourites to win this year's contest.
Swiss climate activists block vehicles near Gotthard tunnel
This content was published on
Around ten climate activists briefly blocked the A2 motorway near the northern entrance of the Gotthard tunnel on Thursday.
Watches belonging to Michael Schumacher up for auction
This content was published on
Schumacher's family is auctioning off eight rare watches from his collection in Geneva. The Christie's auction will take place on Monday.
Joya Marleen and Baschi named best solo acts at Swiss Music Awards
This content was published on
St. Gallen singer Joya Marleen and Baschi from Basel were named artists of the year at the Swiss Music Awards 2024 on Wednesday night.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Meet the man trying to make Switzerland less expensive
This content was published on
Switzerland has an official price watchdog – someone who fights unfair prices that hurt consumers. Where does he see potential for savings?
This content was published on
There will be an average drop of almost 20% in the price of 288 medicines from December 1, the Federal Office of Public Health says.
This content was published on
Fewer inpatients were treated in Swiss hospitals in 2017, the first time that the number of hospital admittances has declined since records began.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.