Illegal importation of affordable medications persists as a controversial topic
Swiss Council of States Rejects Motion on Cross-Border Medication Purchase
In a closely contested vote, the Swiss Council of States has rejected a motion that would have allowed insured persons to benefit from lower drug prices in neighboring countries. The motion, initiated by Marcel Dobler, received 23 to 19 votes, but fell short of the majority required for approval.
The motion was aimed at addressing the high cost of medications in Switzerland, particularly for generics and biosimilars, which are about 45 percent and 30 percent cheaper, respectively, in other countries with similar drug approval systems, such as members of the Access Consortium. This consortium includes countries like Australia, Canada, Singapore, and the UK, with which Switzerland coordinates drug approval assessments for new active substances.
The pharmaceutical lobby was a significant factor in the rejection of the motion. Opponents of the motion argued mainly based on the territoriality principle, ensuring that insured persons only have a claim to cost coverage for treatments provided in Switzerland. The Federal Council, the National Council, and the Swissmedic, the Swiss drug regulatory agency, were also against the motion.
Federal Councilor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider provided support for the motion, arguing that it would not pose a threat to domestic pharmacies and would help reduce the cost of medications for insured persons. However, the opponents' arguments prevailed, leading to the motion's rejection.
Motion initiator Marcel Dobler expressed his incomprehension at the decision, stating that the conditions for the motion are precise: medication must be approved in Switzerland, prescribed by a Swiss doctor, and available at a lower price abroad. The decision leads to market isolation and reinforces Switzerland as a high-price island for medicines.
Despite the rejection of the motion, Dobler deliberately formulated the proposal cautiously, and internet purchases would still not be covered. Only a few insured persons are expected to utilize the new possibility, but the rejection of the motion may leave many Swiss residents wondering about the future of affordable medication in the country.
