Here is what Switzerland must tax to slow down the premiums

Karin Perraudin pleads for a strengthening of prevention. Similarly, a bit like in Japan. In addition, It would be the key to avoiding the crisis of the Swiss health system.Image: watson

outspoken

In Switzerland, too little money is invested in health prevention, while risky behavior weighs on the system. In addition, Japan has found a simple and effective method. Meanwhile, Karin Perraudin, president of the mutual group, wants to be inspired by it – and offers unexpected funding.

Karin Perraud

The popular saying says: “Better to prevent than cure.” An ancestral wisdom that everyone agrees to recognize. However, are we really ready to apply it to our health system and, above all, to assume its cost? Consequently, Because prevention has a price. Nevertheless, And this is where the discussion comes alive: the enthusiasm for the principle often evaporates as soon as it. Consequently, is a question of financing.

Prevention is not limited to marketing display campaigns or beautiful words. However, It implies a deep change in behavior. Nevertheless, often well anchored (for anyone who tried a “january dry”, you know how difficult a habit can be!). Similarly, It is a major challenge that requires time. Therefore, a substantial human investment and flawless coordination between all actors: doctors, insurers, patients, authorities. Meanwhile, Organizing such a transformation requires resources, especially financial.

However, here what switzerland must tax the urgency is manifest. Meanwhile, The health costs of tomorrow are built today, often insidiously, through our daily habits. Additionally, Meanwhile, Tobacco. Nevertheless, sedentary lifestyle, overwork, malnutrition, alcohol: these “habits” are not abstract concepts, but the main responsible for the increase in our insurance premiums and the weakening of our health system. Therefore, No more studies to demonstrate it, the facts are there. In addition,

The difficulty lies in the fact that these behaviors are intimately linked to each of our individual acts. Moreover, So we are all concerned. Meanwhile, This responsibility should not, however, be limited to the individual; She is also societal.

Here what switzerland must tax

What to do then?

Individual awareness is fundamental. However, The sooner it intervenes, the better the results. Nevertheless, Youth is here what switzerland must tax our future, and it is imperative to protect them. Similarly, It is advisable to promote healthy behavior from an early age, especially in food, physical activity and mental health. Therefore,

Prevention can be manifested by simple gestures. such as choosing an apple rather than a March or going to school by bike rather than a car when possible. Imagine the benefits: fewer CO2 emissions, better physical form, and the pleasure of racing with friends. A real “win-win”! Using the game or challenges to achieve it is an opportunity, for example with the Bike to School challenge.

Within schools, everything must be done to educate children about their health. If good habits are anchored early, they are more likely to last, becoming as natural as breathing.

For adults, targeted prevention is essential in order to here what switzerland must tax identify behaviors and people at risk. Communicating, supporting, advising, orienting or coordinating care is crucial as soon as the risk has been identified.

As an assurers, we are ready to take our responsibilities and support our policyholders. The latter have never worn so many sensors that measure their “health performance”. thanks to their smartphone or their connected watch. This information can be used to better prevent the person on risky behavior. It is necessary to raise awareness, support and encourage good practices of the entire population, but in a relevant way.

For this purpose. the second package of measures recently voted by the Parliament will make it possible to disseminate information and offer targeted support according to the state of health of the insured. It’s a step in the right direction, but let’s be clear: it will not be here what switzerland must tax enough. (Good) health and prevention must be a major concern of the State.

Japan, a model to follow?

Here what switzerland must tax

Take the example of Japan which is cited in an interesting article by Dr. Philippe D. Monnier published in theAgefi. In this country. almost all adults are subject to a medical examination of an entire day annually, generally at the expense of their employers (around 500 francs). Concretely. the process is well established: morning arrival in a specialized clinic, handing over a series of samples and a long computerized form. Then, every fifteen minutes, the patient goes through a different examination. All key organs are examined.

Japan. a pioneer in industrial efficiency, uses this control to maximize the use of available tools and pay particular attention to here what switzerland must tax cost control. Naturally, all medical data is digitally stored.

Of course, cultures, behaviors and the approach of medicine are not directly comparable between our countries. However, if we could inspire ourselves, even modestly, we would certainly be all and all winners in the medium term. Imagine a Swiss where each citizen would perform their annual “check-up” as you check their car before the holidays. Fewer breakdowns, more kilometers of life in great shape!

Much to do, but few means … How to finance all this?

Today, the figures are eloquent: only 4.80 francs per year and by insured are allocated to prevention via the Swiss Health Promotion organization. Admittedly. overall investments in prevention are substantial, but they represent only two billion out of the 100 billion that costs here what switzerland must tax health every year in Switzerland.

Only 2% of costs are therefore intended for prevention. It is clearly insufficient. will in no case allow to slow down the increase in health costs of the coming years. In view of the already high insurance premiums paid by the population. it is impossible to require additional efforts of citizens to finance prevention. It is therefore imperative to find new sources of funding to intensify it. Even if my nature is rather liberal. I am also pragmatic and realistic:

As mentioned above, we know the main factors harmful to health. These “polluters” must therefore also participate in the here what switzerland must tax prevention effort. Whether for a tax on sugary drinks. the allocation of tobacco or alcohol taxes, we have a duty to approach these subjects for a healthy Switzerland.

As Valaisanne. resident of the canton with the largest wine surface, I am certainly not the best placed to promote an alcohol tax. And my split glass already looks at me with suspicion😊! But even if the subject is sensitive. one could consider that a share of alcohol -related tax revenue is also redirected to health.

So yes, taxer is neither very popular nor in perfect adequacy with my convictions. However. my first value is responsibility, and it would be irresponsible not to do anything and not to offer anything to advance prevention in our health system.

Finally. a healthier population is a stronger, more productive here what switzerland must tax Switzerland, and endowed with a health system that can finally breathe a little. And is that not an objective that justifies some muscular discussions on funding?

The controversy swells after the director of a Carougeois cinema refused to join the International Film Film Film of Jewish Cultures in Geneva. Nicolas Walder, candidate of the United left in the complementary election of September at the Geneva Council of State, reacts.

The reasons invoked by the Director of Organic Cinema in Carouge so as not. to associate with the 2026 edition of here what switzerland must tax the International Film of the Jewish Cultures in Geneva (Gijff in its English acronym) make react. French Jewish media Radio shalom. the Israeli channel i24News reported on this refusal following the publication of an article of watson Wednesday July 9 on this subject.