Generic drugs are ten times more expensive in Switzerland than in neighbouring countries; record number of refugees are currently in the country; and more news in our roundup on Monday.
Generic drugs are ten times more expensive in Switzerland than abroad
Health insurance companies are encouraging policyholders to use generic medications instead of original ones, to save money.
However, the cost of generic drugs in Switzerland remains one of the highest in Europe.
“Compared to countries like France or Germany, where these products are much more accessible, the difference is striking,” according to Geneva health expert Bernard Hirschel.
“Some generic drugs can actually cost up to ten times more in Switzerland,” he pointed out. “The huge difference with neighbouring countries persists and is worsening.”
The number of refugees in Switzerland reaches a historic high
Although the number of asylum applications in Switzerland has declined overall, the total number of refugees has now reached a historic high – to around 200,000 refugees.
This includes, in particular, the approximately 70,000 people who fled the war in Ukraine.
By comparison, at the end of the WWII, some 115,000 refugees were in Switzerland.
“In many cantons, the situation is tense due to the large number of refugees,” said Mathias Reynard, president of the Conference of Cantonal Directors of Social Affairs.
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Geneva will build ‘more ecologically’ in the future
From 2034, the use of more environmentally friendly building materials will be mandatory throughout the city and canton.
The law will apply to new buildings as well as major renovation projects.
This rule will come into force immediately, but its requirements will be implemented gradually, starting in 2027.
This transition period will also allow for the establishment of new ‘green’ industries and technologies, even though more environmentally friendly building materials already exist, Geneva authorities said.
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Valendas joins the ranks of United Nations’ ‘Best Tourism Villages’
The World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) has warded the ‘Best Tourism Village’ label to Valendas, the government announced on Friday.
The village, which is located in Graubünden’s Surselva region, won over the UN Tourism jury “with its commitment to sustainable tourism development and its various initiatives to preserve, promote, and enhance the tourism value of cultural heritage and natural resources.”
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