Therapeutic products
The Therapeutic Products Division is responsible for planning and ensuring the country's supply of essential pharmaceuticals, medical devices and hygiene products in the event of severe shortages that the economy cannot manage independently. Therapeutic products encompass both pharmaceuticals and medical devices.
Pharmaceuticals are products of chemical or biological origin intended or advertised for medical effect on humans or animals. This includes drugs and vaccines. Medical devices are products intended or advertised for medical use where the principal action is not achieved by pharmaceutical means. Medical devices also include instruments, apparatus, in vitro diagnostics, software, and other objects or substances.
Organisation
The FONES specialists in the Therapeutic Products Division are supported by experts from business, industry associations and other government bodies.
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.
Reporting Office for Essential Human Pharmaceuticals
Since 2015, the NES Reporting Office for Essential Human Pharmaceuticals has been tasked with swiftly identifying supply shortages or disruptions of essential medicines. It takes appropriate action when the industry can no longer manage the situation.
Further information
On this page, you will find publications, FAQs and links relating to the Therapeutic products division.