The FOPH’s ITD whistleblowing platform for integrity, transparency and discounts (ITD) related to therapeutic products makes it possible to report any breaches of ITD-related provisions.
FOPH’s ITD whistleblowing platform
Persons who suspect a violation of the ITD regulations can submit a report on the ITD Whistleblowing platform.
What is it about?
The FOPH has been responsible for enforcing the regulations on integrity and transparency laid down in the Therapeutic Products Act (Art. 55 and 56 TPA) and the obligation to pass on discounts in accordance with the Health Insurance Act (Art. 56(3) HIA) since 1 January 2020.
Benefits granted must not influence the prescription, application or dispensation of prescription medicines (integrity requirement). Additionally, price discounts and reimbursements must be disclosed (transparency requirement). And finally, service providers (e.g. doctors, hospitals, and pharmacists) are required to pass on any discounts granted to them (particularly discounts and reimbursements) to patients or insurers (obligation to pass on benefits).
The FOPH’s enforcement activities also include the option to take action should suspected breaches of the provisions on integrity, transparency and discounts (ITD) be reported.
What can be reported?
Reports can include potential violations of the regulations on integrity and transparency (Art. 55 and 56 of the TPA) as well as breaches of the obligation to pass on benefits (Art. 56(3) of the HIA). Such instances may include the following examples:
- A pharmacist receives two opera tickets from a pharmaceutical company at the end of the year as a thank-you for successful collaboration.
- A medical practice assistant is unsure whether her boss, the owner of a group practice, has properly recorded the discounts granted by the wholesaler in the business accounts.
- A doctor receives a discount on products from a pharmaceutical manufacturer, and it is unclear whether this discount has been passed on to their patients or the insurer.
Who can make a report?
Any private individual who suspects a breach of the ITD provisions can file a report via the FOPH’s ITD whistleblowing platform. This applies, in particular, to patients at medical practices or hospitals as well as customers of pharmacies. The platform is also aimed at employees of organisations and companies that manufacture, distribute or dispense therapeutic products. These include, for example, employees of pharmaceutical companies, wholesalers and pharmacies. Concrete and substantiated suspicions are sufficient for a report.
How can you make a report?
Reports are made via the secure external ITD whistleblowing platform. You will be guided step by step through the reporting process. Comprehensive information on the process and the platform’s functions can be found in the FAQs. If desired, the report can be made anonymously; in this case, the FOPH has no technical or legal means at its disposal to trace your identity.
You also have the option to communicate anonymously with the FOPH’s ITD specialists via a password-protected digital mailbox.
What happens after a report is submitted?
After submitting your report, you will receive a confirmation of receipt. If the ITD specialists require further information in order to clarify the matter, you will be contacted via the secure inbox. We therefore ask that you keep your access data (case ID and password) in a safe place in order to allow for this exchange should you wish to assist further.
In principle, individuals who make reports have no right to information about the measures taken on the basis of the information they provide.
Last modification 14.02.2025
Contact
Federal Office of Public Health FOPH
Team Integrity, Transparency and Discounts
Schwarzenburgstrasse 157
3003
Bern
Switzerland
Tel.
+41 58 463 51 54