The Swiss health system gets good marks in an international comparison, despite certain deficiencies, according to a survey of 11 industrialised western nations.

The Federal Health Office said nearly 70 per cent of respondents felt they would not make any major changes to the system, putting Switzerland at the top of the list.

Just over half the respondents said access to health services at night and weekends was relatively easy, and three out of four people said they did not have to wait more than a day before getting a doctor’s appointment.

Switzerland also ranks among the top countries when it comes to patient satisfaction with medical treatment and care by general practitioners.

However, nearly one in five people said they decided against a drug, a doctor’s consultation and tests for financial reasons over the past 12 months.

The Health Office also said up to five per cent of those surveyed pointed out medical errors - either concerning medications, treatments or diagnoses - and nearly ten per cent highlighted cases of hospital infections.

The poll was carried out among people over the age of 18 with chronic conditions or who recently underwent surgery. It is part of a survey by the American Commonwealth Fund.

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