5. Juli 2024 – In Switzerland, generics are about twice as expensive and less widely used than in other countries. The Federal Council has therefore decided to promote generics by standardizing the distribution share for equivalent medicinal products. The distribution share covers the logistics services. It is calculated on the basis of a price-related surcharge (variable component) and a surcharge per pack (fixed component). With the adjustment, effective as of 1 July 2024, the price-related surcharge will be reduced, which will lead to a general alignment of the distribution share. This should enable service providers to dispense more low-cost medicinal products. This change is expected to result in savings of approximately CHF 60 million in the compulsory health insurance (Obligatorische Krankenpflegeversicherung, OKP).

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