Switzerland"s price watchdog has expressed concern about the high costs of generic medicines in the country compared to other nations.

Study Findings

A study comparing the prices of 20 commonly used generic drugs in Swiss pharmacies with those in 15 other countries found that the cheapest generics in Switzerland are more than double the prices seen elsewhere.

The study also revealed that original medicines with expired patents are priced at an average of 62% of their Swiss counterparts in other countries.

Proposed Reforms

The price watchdog has called for reforms in pricing mechanisms, including international price comparisons for generics and biosimilars.

Other proposed reforms include the introduction of a mandatory generics levy, removing regulatory hurdles for generics, and promoting the prescription of active ingredients rather than brand-name drugs.

Rising Healthcare Costs

The rising costs of healthcare in Switzerland, including medication prices and insurance premiums, highlight the need for comprehensive reforms in the healthcare system.

These proposed changes aim to create a more equitable healthcare landscape with affordable medications and financial sustainability.