EFAS: A Decisive Step for Swiss Health Policy.
The Swiss Parliament recently adopted EFAS, representing a milestone in the country's healthcare policy after a full 14 years of debate. This landmark reform, which aims for uniform financing of outpatient and inpatient services, won the consensus of a broad coalition of 22 healthcare stakeholders. The approval of EFAS marks a historic turning point, as Parliament has passed the final hurdle to make this vision a tangible reality for the Swiss healthcare system.
EFAS represents not only one of the most important reforms in the Swiss health care landscape, but also the most comprehensive since the introduction of new hospital financing more than a decade ago. This initiative, supported by a diverse coalition, is designed to eliminate negative incentives arising from disparities in the financing of outpatient and inpatient services. Its adoption marks a significant step toward the continued improvement of outpatient and inpatient fee systems, predicting a positive impact on several aspects, from promoting ambulatory care to strengthening integrated care.
The approval of EFAS sends a clear signal to politics that sound reforms can gain majority support. This decision can also serve as a catalyst for further reform projects aimed at removing counterproductive incentives in the health care system. It also confirms the commitment of the partners involved to an inclusive and financially sustainable health care system.
With the end of the referendum period, EFAS will come into effect in the acute sector as of Jan. 1, 2028, while uniform funding for care services will be activated four years later. The coalition stresses the importance of joining forces to ensure a smooth transition. The main challenge will be the development of a new fee schedule for care services, with the hope of constructive collaboration of all stakeholders for a quick and effective implementation of the reform.
