“No taboos” in overhauling Switzerland’s health care system. This is what Natalie Rickli, government councilor and head of the Zurich health department, asks for in an interview with the “Sonntagszeitung”. Because she is convinced: “This system with the compulsory basic insurance, the annually adjusted cost coverage via adjusted premiums and the individual premium reduction financed with tax money has failed financially.”
She therefore wishes a restart in the discussions about our health care system. And suggests: “In my opinion, even the abolition of compulsory health insurance should be considered.”
The reactions of the parties were not long in coming. For example, from Green National Councilor Katharina Prelicz-Huber. On the online platform X (formerly Twitter) she writes:
A completely absurd demand and all the more problematic coming from a health director. Abolishing compulsory health insurance would make it impossible for thousands of people to access quality health care. #Rickli #health insurance
— Katharina Prelicz-Huber (@K_PreliczHuber) August 27, 2023
SP co-chair Cédric Wermuth is also angry online that Rickli sees the entire existing system on the edge. And conjures up a dark future, if her suggestion were to be carried out:
We can see what that would mean in the US: For the middle class, solvable medical problems would quickly become a risk of poverty. That would only be health for the rich. It is also the party of the wealthy elite. https://t.co/knM1jwnqu8
— Cédric Wermuth (he/him) (@cedricwermuth) August 27, 2023
Similar tones can also be heard from Green National Councilor Balthasar Glättli. On the online platform X he writes:
I totally disagree @NatalieRickli. But at least she’s not just campaigning for Schubidu like her party. But says crystal clear what the SVP stands for:
Health insurance only for the rich.
1/3https://t.co/jAoAVzA762
— Balthasar Glättli🌻 🕊 (@bglaettli) August 27, 2023
Even FDP national councilor Andri Silberschmidt rejects Rickli’s proposal. And this despite the fact that with the FDP’s proposal for a ‘basic insurance light’ he supports a proposal also criticized by the centre-left camp as ‘health care only for the rich’.
The ‘basic insurance light’ stipulates that premium payers can rely on generic medicines or restrictions on the free choice of doctor and accept a higher deductible. In return, their premium should drop by at least 25 percent. The left is saying that this proposal undermines the principle of solidarity in the Swiss healthcare system.
The abolition of compulsory health insurance would no longer have anything to do with solidarity. Even Silberschmidt goes too far. He says to Watson:
He does not see the Swiss health care system on the brink, but merely as in need of reform. “And there would be plenty of reform proposals. But these are always blocked by the SVP or SP,” says Silberschmidt.
Central National Councilor Christian Lohr also has little regard for Natalie Rickli’s flirting with the abolition of mandatory health insurance. He says to Watson:
Switzerland needs a healthcare system based on solidarity. Otherwise, the poor and sick would hardly be able to afford to see a doctor.
The SVP would always suggest that many people are using expensive services unjustly. “That may be. But when and where this actually happens, we must first seriously investigate it and then take concrete action against it,” says Lohr. That is why he wants clear, implementable solutions from Rickli instead of sensational polemics.
source: watson
I’m Maxine Reitz, a journalist and news writer at 24 Instant News. I specialize in health-related topics and have written hundreds of articles on the subject. My work has been featured in leading publications such as The New York Times, The Guardian, and Healthline. As an experienced professional in the industry, I have consistently demonstrated an ability to develop compelling stories that engage readers.
