It launched an “affordable drugs” campaignExternal link to pressure the Swiss Federal Council to introduce compulsory licencing, an instrument which allows cheaper generic medications to be introduced to the market despite the existence of a patent.
Public Eye argues the Swiss government has for too long put the interest of the pharmaceutical industry before the needs of the patients both in Switzerland and abroad.
It accused the authorities of being influenced by the “aggressive lobbying carried out by large Basel-based companies,” which are responsible for sky-rocketing prices.
Introducing compulsory licensing in Switzerland would make the Swiss healthcare system more sustainable, “send a strong signal to the international community and allow access to essential drugs for millions of people”, Public Eye wrote.
The appeal is backed by the Swiss Cancer League, numerous experts in the field and well-known Swiss politicians, such as former Federal Councillor Ruth Dreifuss.
More
More
Wanted: Pharma super cops
This content was published on
Have experience in tackling cybercrime, extremism, extortion, blackmail and bribery? If yes, the Swiss pharma industry might want to hear from you.
Is reforming the Swiss pension system still possible, and if so, how?
Solutions still need to be found to meet the challenge of an ageing population and to improve the pensions of low-paid workers, the majority of whom are women.
New European space tech centre in Switzerland launches its first project
This content was published on
The European Space Deep-Tech Innovation Centre (ESDI), launched in collaboration with the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI), is to be located in the immediate vicinity of the PSI in northern Switzerland.
Swiss Federal Railways launches campaign for safety on public transport
This content was published on
The Swiss Federal Railways is launching a campaign for greater respect and safety on public transport, with posters to go up in stations and on trains starting next week.
Swiss scientists to use AI for improved weather and climate forecasts
This content was published on
MeteoSwiss and the Swiss Data Science Center have signed a four-year agreement to make greater use of AI in meteorology and climatology going forward.
This content was published on
Prices of owner-occupied homes rose in the third quarter of 2024 by 0.5%, with inflation affecting both apartments and single-family houses, says the Federal Statistical Office.
This content was published on
The honey harvest is projected to be lower than usual this year, as Swiss beekeepers report harvesting an average of just 16kg of honey per bee colony.
More young refugees in Switzerland following vocational training
This content was published on
More than half of young refugees and temporarily admitted persons between the ages of 16 and 25 are now in training. This is significantly more than five years ago.
One in five Swiss children suffers psychological abuse at home
This content was published on
In Switzerland, one in five children suffers psychological violence, and one in three has witnessed psychological violence between parents, says the association Kinderschutz Schweiz.
Swiss government minister breaks silence over Trump remarks controversy
This content was published on
Transport Minister Albert Rösti explained himself in a television interview on Sunday evening, after being called out for expressing support for Donald Trump.
Swiss Covid expert calls for caution on vaccination recommendations
This content was published on
The head of the vaccination commission would be “even more cautious today” when it comes to Covid-19 vaccination recommendations.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Swiss pharma suspected of delaying generic competition
This content was published on
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) lists Novartis and Roche among drug-makers suspected of hindering generic competition.
This content was published on
Each year, some half a million people die of malaria, many of them children. Switzerland is a world leader in research to combat the disease.
This content was published on
Links between parliamentarians in Bern and lobby groups have grown by 20% between 2007 and 2015, according to a new study.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.