Spending on healthcare in Switzerland rose 5.9% in 2021, which was largely inflated by emergency state funding to combat the Covid-19 pandemic, official figures reveal.
This content was published on
1 minute
swissinfo.ch/mga
Italiano
it
L’impatto della pandemia sulla legge sanitaria svizzera diventa evidente
Health expenditure rose CHF4.8 billion ($5.4 billion) to CHF86.3 billion, which represents 11.8% of total Swiss economic output.
The taxpayer ended up with a CHF1.8 billion bill for pandemic measures that increased state-funded health services by nearly 75% in 2021.
Hospital expenditure increased 4.4% or CHF1.3 billion, according to Federal Statistical Office (FSO) figures released on Tuesday.
The total 2021 healthcare bill equated to CHF827 per person, per month. Private households contributed CHF184 of this sum on average.
Healthcare costs have risen by an average 3% over the last five years, the FSO states. Health insurers warn that this cost continues to spiral out of control in Switzerland.
Earlier this month, the Santésuisse umbrella group for insurers said costs had risen 7.5% per capita in the first two months of 2023.
Health insurance premiums jumped by an average of 6.6% between 2022 and 2023, in connection with the pandemic and catch-up effects.
But Santésuisse said an increase of 10% would be necessary to meet increasing costs that are rising faster than ever.
Most Read Swiss Abroad
More
The Swiss Alps, a new Eldorado for real estate developers
Should Switzerland take measures to support its struggling industries?
Industrial policies are back in fashion, not only in the United States but also in the EU. Should Switzerland, where various industries are struggling, draw inspiration from such policies?
As a Swiss Abroad, how do you feel about the emergence of more conservative family policies in some US states?
In recent years several US states have adopted more conservative policies on family issues, abortion and education. As a Swiss citizen living there, how do you view this development?
Swiss authorities file criminal complaint for false signatures
This content was published on
The case of allegedly forged signatures for popular initiatives in Switzerland continues: the Federal Chancellery has filed a criminal complaint for the third time.
Swiss government must prioritise transport projects
This content was published on
Following the no to motorway expansions and additional costs for future rail infrastructure, the Swiss government must set priorities for road and rail expansion.
SMI back above 12,500 points for first time since beginning of 2022
This content was published on
The leading SMI index rose by almost 1% at times in the morning and traded above 12,500 points for the first time since the beginning of 2022.
Markus Ritter enters race for seat in Swiss government
This content was published on
Markus Ritter from the Centre Party has thrown his hat into the ring to succeed Defence Minister Viola Amherd on the seven-seat Swiss government.
Lausanne hospital produces drug from faecal bacteria
This content was published on
The University Hospital of canton Vaud (Chuv) is the first Swiss hospital to receive approval for the production of such drugs from donor stool.
Increase in heat deaths set to outweigh decrease in cold deaths
This content was published on
The growing number of heat-related deaths due to climate change will significantly exceed the decline in the number of cold-related deaths in Europe, according to a study.
Every second Swiss buys from Chinese online retailers
This content was published on
Chinese online retailers are becoming increasingly popular in Switzerland. Every other person has already made such a purchase in the past year.
Cost of mental health for young women higher than for men
This content was published on
The cost of mental health treatment for young people in Switzerland is on the rise, with female patients bearing the brunt of the costs.
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.