Measures
Ensuring a steady supply of essential therapeutic products is vital for public health. The Therapeutic Products Division takes proactive measures to prevent shortages or, at the very least, mitigate their impact on healthcare delivery for the people of Switzerland.
Human pharmaceuticals
Compulsory stocks serve as a buffer to provide essential goods during shortages, playing a key role in the NES organisation. While the private companies holding these stocks retain ownership and responsibility, the federal government oversees the process. Compulsory stocks can generally cover two to four months of market demand, depending on the medicine.
The organisation of pharmaceutical stockpiles is governed by a federal ordinance, as with all categories of goods subject to compulsory stockpiling. The number of stockpiled active substances was increased by a quarter to 120 in January 2024.
When supply chains are disrupted, compulsory stocks can generally be released within one to two weeks to maintain security of supply.
For further information, see the topic Strategic stockpiling
In response to worsening supply issues, a special taskforce was established for several months in early 2023. Led by the Delegate for National Economic Supply and drawing on wide-ranging expertise from business and both cantonal and federal government, the taskforce focused on quick-impact measures. One key recommendation was to dispense certain active ingredients in partial quantities where feasible, helping to stretch supplies. The taskforce also developed medium- and long-term solutions, which have already been integrated into existing projects.
Tamiflu® quotas
Tamiflu is an antiviral drug that combats influenza types A and B. If stocks run low, the federal government steps in to manage supply. Cantons then order their required quantities from the federal government and distribute them within the canton.
Veterinary medicinal products
Veterinary medicines are also increasingly prone to supply shortages. Here too, compulsory stockpiling provides a buffer for up to two months. Currently, only antibiotics are subject to this stockpiling obligation (Ordinance on the Compulsory Stockpiling of Pharmaceuticals; SR 531.215.31).
Compulsory stockpiling helps to ensure Switzerland can meet its obligations under the Animal Welfare Act (AniWA), although only to a limited degree as only antibiotics are stockpiled.
Practical information on the release of compulsory stocks
If there is a shortage of a veterinary medicinal product stockpiled under the Ordinance on the Compulsory Stockpiling of Pharmaceuticals, holders of compulsory stocks can apply for it to be released using the ‹Application for the release of compulsory of stocks (veterinary medicinal products)› form. For queries about veterinary medicinal products, contact kontakt-vet@bwl.admin.ch.