Swiss Government Proposes Drug Discounts to Tackle Soaring Health Costs
As households struggle with rising health insurance premiums, the Swiss government is considering a plan to introduce quantity discounts on the country's best-selling medicines, a measure projected to save CHF 350 million annually.

Key Takeaways
- The Swiss government has opened a consultation procedure on legal amendments to introduce quantity discounts on best-selling medicines.
- The top 80 to 100 best-selling drugs in Switzerland generate more than one-third of total medication costs covered by basic insurance.
- Premiums are higher in French-speaking Switzerland and Ticino compared to German-speaking regions.
- A federal counter-proposal now obliges cantons to adjust subsidy contributions in line with premium growth.
By The Numbers
They Said
"Discounts on top-selling medicines should make it possible to save CHF350 million a year, without affecting the supply of medicines."
"Households receiving subsidies and those with comfortable incomes do not currently feel overburdened."