Public service Federal Council wants to take new measures to combat shortages of therapeutic products

The Federal Council wants to strengthen the supply of therapeutic products in Switzerland and is planning further measures in addition to the existing ones. It wants to start with compulsory stocks, simplified imports and prices.

The Federal Council has issued implementation mandates, as announced by the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) on Thursday. Among other things, the Federal Council is aiming to expand compulsory stocks and simplify imports where necessary. There should also be incentives for the production and in-house manufacture of certain medicines.

The federal government should be able to conclude capacity contracts with drug manufacturers to ensure the production of certain quantities. In the event of severe shortages, production in the army pharmacy will be examined.

In the event of shortages, it should be possible to temporarily import unauthorized medicines for larger groups of patients. Simplifications in the approval process are also planned. Participation in European approval processes is being examined.

SDA