Hospitals Zurich government does not want to nationalize children's hospital

The cantonal government does not want to turn the Zurich Children's Hospital (Kispi) into a state-owned enterprise - even though it had to be saved with a cantonal financial injection. Even public ownership does not protect against financial problems, according to the government. The situation today is tense in almost all hospitals.

The SP, EVP and AL demanded in a motion that the Kispi should no longer be a foundation, but a state-owned enterprise. The huge financial injection from the canton that had become necessary showed that the Kispi could not survive without state subsidies and loans.

It is offensive when the canton has to support a private organization such as the Eleonorenstiftung or the Kispi without having a say in its direction and strategy.

However, the cantonal government considers nationalization to be wrong, as stated in its response published on Thursday. The fact that the Kispi is run by a foundation has basically proved its worth during its 150-year existence.

Donations would fall away

Public sponsorship does not protect against problems. The financial situation is strained in almost all hospitals today. In addition, thanks to its legal form as a foundation, the Kispi can now count on many donations, legacies and sponsorship contributions.

The Kispi receives much more money than the cantonal hospitals, for example. According to the Government Council, nationalization would mean a loss of this income. Nationalization is not yet definitely off the table. The matter will come before parliament in one of the next sessions.

Financial shortfall due to new building

In April, the canton had to support the Kispi with a financial injection of CHF 35 million for the current year and a loan of CHF 50 million. The main reason for the financial shortfall is the new building designed by star architects Herzog and de Meuron, which has cost an impressive CHF 761 million.

The building is due to be occupied in the fall. However, the income from hospital operations will no longer be able to finance its completion by then.

SDA