Equal opportunities in healthcare
From the federal government’s point of view, appropriate healthcare should be available to everyone – regardless of sex, age or sociocultural background.
Coronavirus: Information for the migrant population
At www.bag-coronavirus.ch, at Downloads in various languages and on migesplus you will find fact sheets and videos on the new coronavirus in the languages of the migrant population. Information on community interpreting can be found at INTERPRET (in German, French or Italian).
For further information
Subscribe to our newsletter on health equity, available in French and German.
We are committed to ensuring that disadvantaged population groups can easily access appropriate healthcare. This prevents unnecessary costs arising from excessive, insufficient or inappropriate use of healthcare services.
Information on our activities to promote equal opportunities in healthcare provision can be found in the infobox below and on the following pages:
Assessing Equity
How can equity in healthcare be measured? The FOPH supports research projects that shed light on various facets of disadvantage in healthcare.
Swiss Health Network for Equity
Enabling all patients to have access to health services and high-quality treatment - this is what the Swiss Health Network for Equity is committed to together with the FOPH.
Health information for people who have fled Ukraine
Useful information on medical care, health insurance and other health topics in Ukrainian and other languages.
Healthcare provision for asylum seekers
Asylum seekers and refugees are often particularly burdened in terms of health and need adequate health care. Several studies on this topic have been commissioned by the FOPH.
Healthcare provision for undocumented migrants
Undocumented migrants are particularly vulnerable when it comes to health. The FOPH has funded studies on the health status of this group and their access to Swiss healthcare.
Measures against female genital mutilation
The FOPH is committed to combating female genital mutilation (FGM) and is supporting the awareness, advice and prevention activities of the Network against female genital cutting Switzerland since 2016.
Healthcare professionals and managing diversity
Recommendations and options for training to improve specialist skills and expertise.
Community Interpreting
When direct communication is difficult, professional community interpreters can step in to help healthcare professionals and foreign language-speaking patients understand each other. The FOPH supports this key service for the healthcare sector.
Statement opposing female genital mutilation
Female genital mutilation is prohibited in Switzerland. The government wants to support girls and families in protecting themselves against this practice. The «Statement opposing female genital mutilation» is intended to help do this. You can order or download a copy here.
Further information
Further topics
Your rights and participation as a patient
Your relationship with your doctor involves rights and obligations. Here you can find out about your specific rights at the doctor's and in hospital, and in relation to living wills, organ donation and counselling.
Federal Office of Public Health FOPH
Health Equity Section
Schwarzenburgstrasse 157
Switzerland - 3003 Bern