After medical emergencies in the Federal Palace: Now the expensive paramedics are there

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There are always medical emergencies in the Parliament in Bern. Last fall, St. Gallen SVP National Councilor Lukas Reimann (40) collapsed in National Council Hall.

In the winter it was SP National Councilor Sarah Wyss (34) who had to be taken straight to hospital due to a medical emergency in the Federal Palace. Fortunately, both cases were not serious diagnoses.

And the two SP politicians and doctors Angelo Barrile (46) and Marina Carobbio (56) were always ready. Together they formed the unofficial medical service of the Federal Palace.

Glarner speaks of special privileges

However, this medical duo is a thing of the past: Barrile no longer appears in the autumn and his colleague Carobbio was elected to the government of Ticino. She has not worked in Bundesbern since then.

A professional medical service has now been deployed to counter the lack of medical specialists in the Federal Palace. Since the start of the three-week summer session, two paramedics from a private company have been patrolling the corridors of the Federal Palace, reports “20 minutes”. Cost: CHF 18,000 per session.

SVP Land Councilor Andreas Glarner (60) thinks this is far too expensive and has submitted a corresponding request to the Federal Council. In it he speaks of a “reality-distant decision”. Given the austerity measures demanded by parliament, this medical precaution is “a special privilege” for politicians, it says.

Sarah Wyss isn’t doing too well either, as she says to “20 minutes.” “I’m a little uncomfortable having paramedics here, in part because of my incident. Crashes can happen anywhere.” She felt well cared for by Barrile and Carobbio.

Paramedics there until the end of the year

The parliamentary services, however, reason differently: the paramedics are not only there for politicians. Several hundred people are expected in Parliament every day, such as visitors, federal officials or other guests. The situation is similar to that of a major event. They must also submit a medical concept to the canton of Bern.

The trial with private paramedics will initially run until the end of the year. By then, the additional service will have cost CHF 54,000. It is then analyzed in Bern whether the measure has proven itself.

In addition, there are elections in the fall. Who knows how many doctors will then re-enter parliament who can take over the voluntary medical service again. (she)

Source:Blick