The Swiss health care system

Abstract

are sovereign in all matters except those specifically designated to the Swiss Confederation. Each of these entities has its own constitution, legislative body, and executive body. The Swiss political system is characterized by both liberalism and federalism. The two principles also strongly influence the organization of the health care system in Switzerland [i]. Liberalism implies the reliance on private supply and financing of health care and that government only intervenes if private initiative fails to provide a satisfactory supply. This explains the important role of private agents with regard to supplying and financing of health care. However, in past decades there has also been considerable growth of public health care in Switzerland. Federalism implies that the Swiss Confederation can only legislate if it is expressly empowered by the constitution, otherwise legislative power lies with the cantons. Health care is considered a classic responsibility of the cantons due to the fact that they are responsible for licensing of health professions, authorization of medical practices or pharmacies and the provision of health care. Marketing authorization of drugs and control of medicines are cantonal responsibilities as well However, the cantons have established an intercantonal agreement aiming at a standardization of regulations across all cantons. Although the organization of health care