Bern / Neuchatel, Switzerland (GenevaLunch) - Switzerland is facing a shortage of nurses, and higher health insurance premiums in 2008 reduced households’ disposable income, say two reports just out, that look at aspects of the health care system.
Too few nurses, even with foreigners
Switzerland is facing a health care professionals shortfall, says the Swiss Conference of Cantonal Health Directors (CDS). Two-thirds of the health care professionals the country needs are being trained in Switzerland, with foreign-trained professionals making up what should be the difference. But only about one-half of the nurses needed are available. An important reason for this is that too many health care professionals choose to drop out or take extended leaves, according to CDS in a report released 11 December.
CDS calls for increased flexibility in the workplace to accommodate employees’ needs. It suggests that work models and work flows should be re-designed. Measures already undertaken to improve the supply of doctors, technicians, and nurses include the creation of new professions and certifications within the profession, according to the report, written in collaboration with OdASanté, the national health association.
Higher health care costs hurting family pocketbook
The increase in insurance premiums in 2009 has shaved 0.1 percent off the average Swiss disposable income, according to the Federal Statistics Office, FSO. The health insurance price index (1999=100) reached 144.2 in 2009. Premiums for compulsory insurance rose by 1.3 percent and for complementary insurance by 1.8 percent.
Links to other sites: CDS site, OdASanté site
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News story, GenevaLunch, 11 December 2009.
Filed under: Health
Tags: Cantonal Health Directors, CDs, disposable income, health care, health insurance premiums, nurses shortage, OdASante