Switzerland
Swiss unions, including the public service union VPOD, are mobilizing for a referendum on November 24, following a successful signature campaign earlier this year aimed at repealing the EFAS healthcare reform. Despite being voted in the national assembly, EFAS has faced strong opposition for its potential to increase health insurance contributions and compromise care quality.
EFAS introduces a centralized funding system for both inpatient and outpatient care across Switzerland. While the reform is promoted as a way to streamline costs, unions argue that it will ultimately shift more of the financial burden to the public. With CHF 13 billion in cantonal taxes being transferred to private insurers, democratic oversight over healthcare funding would diminish. This raises concerns that private insurers would prioritize profits over public health needs, potentially leading to a decline in care quality for those without expensive supplementary insurance.
Another major concern is the growing cost of long-term care services, such as nursing homes and home care, which will increasingly be passed onto health insurance payers. The aging population already puts a strain on these services, and EFAS could worsen the situation by removing existing safeguards that limit out-of-pocket contributions from patients.
Unions also warn that the reform will intensify pressure on healthcare workers. In a sector already grappling with staff shortages and demanding working conditions, EFAS threatens to exacerbate the exodus of workers from long-term care roles.
