Pharma accuses Berset of undemocratic behavior

Health Minister Alain Berset (50) wants to reform the Health Insurance Regulation (KVV). But the plans of the Federal Office of Public Health (BAG), at least from the pharmaceutical industry, have been met with fierce resistance. Marcel Plattner, 54, President of the Swiss Association of Pharmaceutical Companies (Vips), describes the planned revision to SonntagsBlick as “legally questionable”.

The reason for this main criticism: BAG only focuses on low prices in its plans, compromising on quality and optimal patient care. “This,” says Plattner, “is against applicable health insurance law.”

The pharmaceutical representative also complains that the planned adjustments to setting drug prices are “undemocratic”. Plattner: “A few months ago the Parliament rejected the introduction of a reference price system for products with known active substances. That is why the majority spoke out against the maximum price set for drugs with certain active substances, which would be reimbursed by compulsory health insurance.”

With the revision, BAG now wants to introduce such a system from the back door. Plattner: “This is disrespectful to political will.”

BAG is not affected by resistance

BAG is defending itself against these accusations. “This is not true at all,” says a spokesperson. On the contrary, it was the will of the Parliament to take measures that would save the “expiration date” and increase the market share of generic drugs as an alternative to the reference price system of the Federal Council. “On average, generics are about twice as expensive in Switzerland as in neighboring countries. So Parliament was also aware that cost-cutting measures were being mentioned in this area,” he said.

Overall, BAG is comfortable with the pharmaceutical industry’s resistance: “It would be expected that actors who would have to accept losses due to cost-cutting measures would be against cost-cutting measures.” There was also a lot of positive feedback after the meeting.