“That is positive and of course I am very happy,” says Bergdoktor Gregor Müller (65) about the decision of the National Council. Because it increases Müller’s chances of finally handing over his GP practice at Bettmeralp to his successor, Joachim Friese (58), and getting his well-earned retirement.
The National Council decided on Tuesday that the eligibility criteria for doctors will be relaxed. Normally, a foreign doctor must have worked in a hospital or a training institution for at least three years before he can claim as a self-employed person from the health insurers.
“It would be much too early to cheer now”
Now there should be an exception for regions where there is an acute shortage of doctors. The parliamentary initiative approved by the National Council provides for the possibility of suspending this regulation in the event of an imminent shortage. Doctors like Müller could also pass on their practices to doctors who have just moved here from abroad. This is to guarantee medical care in the peripheral regions.
However, Müller warns against premature euphoria. “It would be way too early to cheer now. We have cleared a first hurdle, but that is of course far from enough. We need a clear legal basis.” He hopes that the Council of States will make a decision on Thursday.
But then it could happen soon: the change would probably come into effect before the end of March, as confirmed by the Federal Office of Public Health.
Source:Blick
I am Liam Livingstone and I work in a news website. My main job is to write articles for the 24 Instant News. My specialty is covering politics and current affairs, which I’m passionate about. I have worked in this field for more than 5 years now and it’s been an amazing journey. With each passing day, my knowledge increases as well as my experience of the world we live in today.
