ATS
Swiss hospitals are facing a critical situation, with increasing patient loads and dwindling staff, according to the head of the country’s hospital association. The strain on the healthcare system is prompting calls for significant structural reforms to ensure continued access to quality care.
Anne-Geneviève Bütikofer, director of H+, the Swiss association of hospitals and clinics, described the current state as “extremely tense.” She noted that hospitals are grappling with a growing number of patients alongside a shrinking workforce, all whereas navigating a complex financial landscape. This situation underscores the challenges facing healthcare systems globally as they adapt to demographic shifts and economic pressures.
“In addition to this, You’ll see increasing administrative burdens, often unfunded, which take time away from medical and care staff to the detriment of the patient,” Bütikofer said in an interview published Saturday by Le Temps. “I wouldn’t say that [hospitals] are ‘in intensive care,’ but rather ‘under close observation.’”
Bütikofer pointed to political pressure to control rising costs as a key factor, leading to underfunding of approximately 25% in outpatient care and 10% in inpatient services. “Which means that current rates only cover 75% of the services provided. Hospitals must compensate for this shortfall through their reserves or profits.”
Unsustainable System
A study commissioned by H+ and released in November 2025 found the Swiss hospital system is not structured for long-term sustainability. The report highlighted increasing demand for healthcare services, a worsening shortage of qualified personnel and inadequate reimbursement rates. The study recommended improved coordination and collaboration among hospitals, strengthening of outpatient care, and accelerated digitalization.
Bütikofer told Le Temps that the transformation of the overall hospital organization “is already underway.” “This is very evident with hospital establishments that are cooperating or operating in tiered and coordinated networks.” She explained that healthcare professionals are jointly defining which services should be provided where, with what level of experience and quality, noting that some highly specialized activities cannot be maintained everywhere if hospitals desire to “guarantee safety and excellence.”
To prevent further deterioration of the healthcare system, the director of H+ identified three priorities: “guaranteeing access to and quality of care, relieving the burden on staff, and bringing funding closer to the reality of costs.”
However, she added, the issue of rising costs is central. “Unlike other sectors, medical fees are not automatically adjusted for inflation. Salaries and material costs are increasing, but revenues remain unchanged, creating a structural imbalance.”
