The parliamentary health committee is discussing a plan which may mean that people attending hospital emergency rooms would have to pay a CHF 50 fee – which won’t be covered by insurance.
The idea is not new – but it’s now being discussed again in an effort to cut the pressure on hospitals and costs.
Seeing an emergency doctor is around twice as expensive as seeing a family doctor.
It does have broad support – with the Swiss People’s Party, the Liberals and the Green Liberals all backing the plan. Left wing parties are against.
Backers say there are plenty of cases that could have been dealt with by a general practitioner or even a pharmacist.
There will be exceptions. Genuine emergencies, children or anyone told to go to hospital by their doctor.
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