DAKOMED - Dachverband Komplementärmedizin
Switzerland pays for complementary medicine as part of the compulsory health insurance
Bern (ots)
Anthroposophic medicine, classic homoeopathy, neural-therapy, phytotherapy and traditional Chinese medicine will be paid for via the compulsory health insurance in Switzerland from 2012. This decision was taken by the Health Minister Didier Burkhalter on 13 January 2011. They will be included for a limited period of six years. During this period the scientific evidence of their effectiveness, appropriateness and cost-effectiveness of the five methods must be updated. The decision was taken on the basis of the provision in the Swiss Constitution for Complementary Medicine which was passed by 67 percent of Switzerland's voters on 17 June 2009.
Swiss DaKoMed (Dachverband Komplementärmedizin, Umbrella Organisation for Complementary Medicine) is delighted with the decision by the Health Minister Didier Burkhalter to include anthroposophic medicine, classic homoeopathy, neural-therapy, herbal medicine and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) within the compulsory health insurance (basic health insurance). The conditions imposed, essentially updating the scientific basis for these disciplines, can be met. According to his statements the Health Minister, in collaboration with the complementary medicine sector, will continue to strive to implement the article in the Constitution in concrete terms: Medical Profession Act: complementary medicine is to be integrated into the training objectives of the study courses in human medicine, pharmaceutics, dental medicine, chiropractics and veterinary medicine.
Medicinal Products and Medical Devices Act: the marketing authorisation of complementary medicine and traditional remedies is to be simplified.
Creation of national diplomas: work is currently being carried out in cooperation with the authorities to create two national diplomas for natural health practitioners and therapists.
Promotion of research: complementary medicine will be given access to research funds provided that the relevant applications meet the quality criteria of the fundiing agencies.
Creation of institutes / professorships in complementary medicine: The powers to create university institutes and professorships reside with the cantons. However, support can be provided on the federal level, for example through awarding project-related grants.
The Health Minister will set up a Monitoring Group which will be responsible for the implementation of these specific points and in particular will include representatives from the complementary medicine sector.
Contact:
Walter Stüdeli
Spokesperson of DaKoMed - Dachverband Komplementärmedizin
Mobile: +41/79/330'23'46
E-Mail: walter.stuedeli@dakomed.ch