Frequently asked questions (FAQ) on the supply of medicines

The supply of medicines remains strained. Here you’ll find clear answers to the most important questions about causes, responsibilities and what those affected can do.

• How can I find out if a medicine is in short supply before it’s too late?

  Drug shortages are often reported too late by the authorisation holders. Your doctor or pharmacist will usually know which drugs are affected by supply shortages. In addition, an up-to-date list of drugs that are in short supply and must be reported is available on the website of the Federal Office for National Economic Supply (FONES): List of current supply disruptions (admin.ch).

  If you’re dependent on a specific medicine, you can ask your doctor or pharmacy to look for alternatives at an early stage, if possible.

• How can Switzerland, a country with such a huge pharmaceuticals industry, have a shortage of medicinal products?

  Cheap medicines (generic drugs) are particularly affected because they are often produced abroad (e.g. in Asia). The centralisation of manufacturing steps and the associated higher risk of production outages, regional or global crises and sharp fluctuations in demand are causing disruptions in global supply chains. The pharmaceutical industry in Switzerland mainly produces innovative and more expensive medicines, which are less affected by supply disruptions.

• How is the supply of medicines regulated in Switzerland?

  The supply of medicines in Switzerland is primarily the responsibility of the private sector. The cantonal authorities are responsible for healthcare in their respective cantons. The federal government intervenes on a subsidiary basis, for example in the event of a serious shortage by releasing compulsory stocks or in the event of communicable diseases (a pandemic). Swissmedic monitors the safety and quality of medicines.

• How would the Confederation describe the present supply situation with medicines?

  The situation remains difficult. Some medicines are being withdrawn from the market because they are no longer profitable for companies. The Federal Council therefore decided in August 2024 to introduce new measures to improve the situation.Federal Council steps up measures to combat medicine shortage Link to the media release (German, French and Italian): Bundesrat verstärkt Massnahmen gegen Engpässe bei den Arzneimitteln.

• I rely on a particular medication that is affected by supply disruption. What can I do?

  Talk to your doctor or pharmacist. They will check whether there is an alternative medicine or whether, in exceptional cases, a comparable medicine can be imported from abroad.

• I rely on a particular medication. Where can I find out if this is also suffering supply disruptions?

  Ask your doctor or pharmacist. You can also contact the company that distributes the medicine directly (see the packaging or package insert for details). An up-to-date list of medicines that are in short supply and must be reported can be found on the website of the Federal Office for National Economic Supply FONES: List of current shortages (admin.ch).

• If a medicine becomes unavailable in Switzerland, couldn’t it be manufactured here?

  Yes, hospitals and pharmacies are permitted to manufacture certain medicines themselves (formula drugs) provided that specific rules are observed.

• What are the main differences between the popular initiative and the direct counterproposal?

  The Federal Council shares the general aim of the initiative of strengthening the powers of the federal government. However, the wording of the initiative is too broad and also covers areas that are not related to the priority supply problems. The initiative’s demands cover the entire medical value chain, from research and development to the dispensing of medicines and other medical goods, which the Federal Council considers too far-reaching and not very effective. For example, the Federal Council sees no need for action by the federal government when it comes to distribution and dispensing. Nor does it see any reason for constitutional changes in the area of research and development.

• What does the direct counterproposal to the popular initiative “Yes to medical care security” entail?

  The direct counterproposal provides for centralised and active market monitoring of the supply situation by the federal government. The federal government should also be able to take measures to prevent or remedy supply disruptions if necessary. In particular, it should be able to create economic incentives, procure supplies, and manufacture medical goods itself or have them manufactured. Since supply disruptions are primarily caused by global factors, particular emphasis should be placed on international cooperation in this area, which should be strengthened systematically. The federal government is to implement this constitutional mandate in cooperation with the cantons and with the involvement of the private sector.

• What other aspects have to be borne in mind in addition to securing supplies?

  The safety of medicinal products to protect patients remains the main objective of Swiss healthcare policy. It provides the overall framework for all the associated optimisation measures. The manufacture of all such products must comply with all the relevant legal provisions and be carried out in accordance with the latest science and technology.