THE OECD and WHO's latest review of Switzerland's
Healthcare System has warned that while
the Swiss health system is currently amongst the best in the world, it will
need to adapt to deal with increasing costs and rising chronic diseases such
as cancer, cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
Switzerland’s life expectancy – which is amongst the highest in the
world – and positive patient satisfaction reflect the high performance
of the Swiss health system. But it comes at a considerable cost: Switzerland
spent 11.4% of GDP on health in 2009, well above the OECD average of 9.6%.
Maintaining a large number of hospitals drives up costs. Though this system
has served Switzerland well in the past, it will not be able to support the
increasing numbers of patients suffering from chronic diseases who will need
less intensive care on a more regular basis.
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