This week, researchers at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL) and the University Hospital in Lausanne (CHUV) tested a new system which allows the brain and spinal column to communicate. Dutchman Gert-Jan Oskam has been paralysed since a bicycle accident twelve years ago. Thanks to the implants, one in the skullcap and […]
Tobacco advertising could soon be effectively over in Switzerland
Switzerland has relatively accommodating rules regarding the advertising and sale of tobacco products. And it has correspondingly high smoking rates. That is likely to begin changing from next year, reported RTS. This week, the Federal Council sent parliament its position on how to implement the successful vote in February 2022 to ban tobacco advertising to […]
Tiger mosquito spreads to the canton of Vaud
A native of the tropical and subtropical areas of Southeast Asia, the tiger mosquito typically flies and feeds in the daytime in addition to at dusk and dawn. It has the potential to transmit numerous viruses including the yellow fever virus, dengue fever, and Chikungunya fever. It is also capable of hosting and spreading the […]
Price of generic drugs close to double in Switzerland
On 17 May 2023, Interpharma and Santésuisse published their annual report showing drug price comparisons across Europe. The good news is the drug price gap between Switzerland and its neighbours has narrowed. The extra paid for on-patent drugs in Switzerland is now 5.4% on average. However, the price premium paid for generic (+45.5%) and biosimilar […]
Proposal for budget Swiss health insurance
Last weekend, the PLR/FDP unveiled a plan to create a budget low cost health insurance option in Switzerland, reported RTS. The proposal, which includes lower cost ways of delivering healthcare, will be presented to parliament next month. Examples of ways to lower costs include limiting the choice of hospital and sharing hospital rooms with more […]
Opioid use almost doubles in Switzerland
Between 2008 and 2018, prescriptions for opioid painkillers almost doubled in Switzerland, reported RTS this week. Opioid prescriptions for minor injuries rose by 88.3% and those for serious injuries by 91.4% over the decade, according to a study run by Baden hospital. The study shows how the drugs are often prescribed for mild pain. According […]
Rates of lung cancer lower in German-speaking Switzerland
Switzerland has high rates of lung cancer by global standards, a phenomenon linked to high rates of tobacco use. Recently published data show a notable difference in lung cancer rates between Switzerland’s main linguistic regions. These difference also correlate with smoking rates. The rate of lung cancer is 57 per 100,000 in Switzerland. For men […]
Swiss Covid deaths in 2021 higher than initially calculated
Data published on 17 April 2023 by the Federal Statistical Office reports there were 5,957 deaths where Covid-19 was the principle cause in 2021. Data at the time estimated there were around 4,500 Covid-19 deaths. The vast majority of Covid-19 deaths in 2021 were among those aged over 64 (92%). The average age of those […]
Geneva’s dangerous addiction to antibiotics
Residents of Geneva consume 45% more antibiotics than an average resident of Switzerland, reported RTS. According to a senior doctor at Geneva’s HUG hospital the canton’s high rate of antibiotic consumption could explain record levels of antibiotic resistance in the canton. Overall, Switzerland’s French speakers consume 40% more antibiotics per capita than their German-speaking compatriots. […]
Large differences in number of C-section births across Switzerland
In Switzerland, around a third of births are by caesarean section. However, this average hides a significant difference between French- and German-speaking Switzerland, reported RTS. In 2021, there were 86,800 births of which 28,500 were delivered by caesarean section (33%). Overall, Switzerland has one of the highest rates of caesarean section in Europe. In France […]
