On 13 July 2022, Switzerland’s Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO) recommended that certain Häagen Dazs ice cream products not be consumed. The products include Häagen Dazs Vanilla Pint 460 ml, Häagen-Dazs Vanilla Mini-Cups 95 ml, Häagen-Dazs Vanilla Collection 95 ml x 4 and Häagen-Dazs Classic Collection 95 ml x 4. These products could […]
Sharp rise in Covid cases in Switzerland this week
Over the 7 days to 4 July 2022, 46,025 new cases of Covid-19 were reported in Switzerland, according to the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH), a figure 39% higher that the 7 days prior. In addition, 455 people were hospitalised, a number 52% higher than the week before. And 13 patients died. 45 ICU […]
Cannabis far easier to prescribe in Switzerland from 1 August
From 1 August 2022, doctors in Switzerland will be able to prescribe cannabis without the need for authorisation, announced the Federal Council on 22 June 2022, reported RTS. The introduction of the change, which allows cannabis to be prescribed for medical reasons without the authorisation of the federal health authorities, follows updates to Switzerland’s drug […]
Higher federal tax deductions for health insurance announced
The cost of Swiss health insurance has risen sharply over the years. However, the amount that can be deducted from income to calculate federal taxes has remained comparatively low. This week, Switzerland’s parliament voted in favour of closing the gap between the standardised health insurance tax deductions and what people actually pay, reported RTS. The […]
Psychotherapy to be covered by basic Swiss health insurance
From 1 July 2022, psychotherapy provided by trained psychologists will be reimbursed under Switzerland’s basic compulsory health insurance, reported RTS. To qualify for reimbursement the service will need to be prescribed by a doctor and meet certain conditions. Prices for the service have not been set. The federal government and cantons still need to work […]
Migros to stay alcohol free after clear no vote
On 16 June 2022, the Swiss supermarket Migros announced that its members had voted in favour of maintaining a ban on the sale of alcohol in its stores, restaurants and takeaway outlets across all 10 of its regional cooperatives. With record voter participation of more than 630,000 members (29%) – members were offered free chocolate […]
Geneva’s Green Party meat ban divides party
This week, Geneva’s Green Party decided to ban its representatives from eating meat on environmental grounds and to deflect accusations of hypocrisy. However, the decision has divided the party, reported the newspaper Le Matin. The party met to hold a vote on the ban, but the issue was so divisive the party watered down the […]
Swiss medical association makes assisted suicide more difficult
This week, the Swiss Medical Association (SMA) tightened restrictions on assisted suicide, reported RTS. The new directives require greater involvement from doctors. At least two doctor-patient interviews must take place. In addition, patients must prove their suffering is unbearable. These procedures must also be well documented. The new guidelines effectively prevent healthy people from accessing […]
Swiss significantly underestimate scale of biodiversity crisis in Switzerland
Switzerland has the highest proportion of threatened species in the OECD, according to Pronatura. However, a clear majority of the population thinks the situation is fine, according to a survey. Switzerland has already lost the grey partridge, the torrents cricket and the linseed dodder. Next in line could be the hedgehog, the hoopoe bird (see […]
Switzerland looking at buying vaccine for monkeypox
With number of cases of monkeypox rising, Switzerland’s Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) is looking at the possibility of buying a vaccine against the disease, reported RTS. With at least three cases the number of confirmed infections in Switzerland is low. The first infection in Bern was followed by cases in Geneva and Zurich. […]
