Switzerland’s lower house has narrowly backed a controversial plan to charge patients for visiting emergency rooms without a referral.
The National Council approved the proposal by just five votes, aiming to ease pressure on overcrowded emergency departments.
Under the plan, cantons could impose a 50-franc surcharge on patients who attend without first consulting a doctor, pharmacist, or telemedicine service. Exceptions would apply for children and pregnant women.
Supporters say the measure would refocus emergency care on genuine cases. But critics argue it risks penalising vulnerable patients and missing real emergencies, such as strokes or falls.
Health Minister Elisabeth Baume-Schneider warned it could add administrative complexity without clear benefits.
The proposal now moves to the upper chamber for further debate.
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