started · updated
Swiss Parliament approves motion to ease generic drug parallel imports
The Swiss National Council has approved a motion to facilitate the parallel import of generic drugs, following a similar decision by the Council of States. The motion, introduced by Senator Mauro Poggia, aims to allow healthcare providers such as doctors and pharmacists to import generics from abroad to combat high domestic medicine prices and rising health insurance premiums.
Proponents suggest that the move could save between 300 and 500 million Swiss francs. However, the motion faced significant opposition. The Federal Council warned that the change could jeopardize supply security by reducing incentives for manufacturers to seek Swiss drug approvals, potentially leading to market withdrawals.
Additionally, the majority of the National Council's Health Commission expressed concerns regarding patient safety, arguing that expanding imports to include medicines not currently approved in Switzerland poses disproportionate risks. The Federal Council must now prepare a proposal for the implementation of this motion.
Entities
Mauro Poggia · Swiss Council of States · Swiss Federal Council · Swiss National Council
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Generics are significantly more expensive in Switzerland than abroad. www.cash.ch
- [● 2 SOURCES] The National Council approved the motion with 109 votes in favor, 81 against, and 7 abstentions. www.cash.ch
- [● 2 SOURCES] The Federal Council is now required to provide a proposal for the implementation of the motion. www.cash.ch
- [● 2 SOURCES] The Federal Council opposed the motion, warning of risks to supply security and potential market withdrawals. www.cash.ch
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The reimbursement of parallel-imported generics could save between 300 and 500 million Swiss francs.
- [● 2 SOURCES] The majority of the Health Commission argued that expanding imports of medicines not approved in Switzerland poses disproportionate safety risks. www.cash.ch