Swiss parliament to consider drug prices

The Swiss Research-based Pharmaceutical Enterprises Association (Interpharma) has issued a statement about the forthcoming session of the country's parliament, due to meet March 3-20. The Council of the States will examine a proposed law on the formulation of drug prices as part of a review of the 1996 New Law on the Sickness Insurance program (LAMal). Earlier attempts at reform have been blocked, the Interpharma said.

The proposals under consideration by parlementarians include changes to the managed-care elements of the LAMal. The Interpharma endorses the proposed changes but argues that the reforms must not involve increases in charges to insurers or to the public sector health care system (AOS).