National Strategy
National Strategy for Palliative Care
The Confederation and the cantons have decided, within the framework of the “Swiss National Health Policy” platform, to promote palliative care in our country. On October 22, 2009, the Swiss National Health Policy Dialogue adopted a “National Strategy for Palliative Care 2010 – 2012”.
The strategy aims to better integrate palliative care into the public health system and other areas. In Switzerland, all seriously ill and dying people thus benefit from palliative care adapted to their conditions, and a better quality of life. This strategy allows the Confederation and the cantons to set binding objectives to fill the identified gaps. With the participation of all partners involved, the measures taken will be applied and the resources used wisely.
Implementation of the Strategy
On January 18, 2010, the launch meeting of the National Strategy for Palliative Care 2010-2012 took place. Under the direction of the concerned federal offices, the Swiss Conference of Cantonal Health Directors (CDS) and the Swiss Society for Palliative Medicine and Care “palliative ch”, various works have since been launched in the six areas “strategy implementation”, “care”, “financing”, “awareness”, “training” and “research”. Some measures have already been concretized and completed.
As part of the “Strategy Implementation” sub-project, “National Guidelines for Palliative Care” have been developed. These guidelines define palliative care and specify the fundamental values, principles, target groups, and providers in this field. They constitute a working tool for all organizations and individuals working in the field of palliative care.
National Guidelines for Palliative Care
On October 25, 2012, the “Swiss National Health Policy Dialogue” and the joint platform of the Confederation and the cantons adopted the continuation of the “National Strategy for Palliative Care” for the years 2013 to 2015.
A Better Quality of Life for People at the End of Life National Strategy for Palliative Care 2013-2015
The second phase will focus on better integrating palliative care into existing structures of the health and education system. In this way, all people with a life-threatening prognosis will be able to access palliative care corresponding to their needs throughout Switzerland.
For more detailed information, please visit the FOPH website.