Market Access with FOPH: Your Guide to Switzerland’s Health Authority

The Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) is Switzerland’s national authority responsible for public health, developing national health policy, and ensuring that the country has an efficient and affordable healthcare system. As part of the Federal Department of Home Affairs, the FOPH collaborates with cantonal authorities to protect and promote public health across Switzerland.

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Core Functions of the FOPH

The FOPH’s primary responsibilities include:

•     Health Policy Development: Formulating and implementing national health policies to maintain and improve public health standards.
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•     Disease Prevention and Health Promotion: Initiating programs aimed at preventing diseases and promoting healthy lifestyles among the Swiss population.
•     Health Insurance Supervision: Overseeing health, accident, and military insurance systems to ensure they are effective and accessible.
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•     International Collaboration: Representing Switzerland’s health interests in international organizations and with other countries.
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Leadership and Key Contacts

As of January 2025, the FOPH is led by Director Anne Lévy, who oversees the agency’s strategic initiatives and operations.

Contact Details for the FOPH

Website: https://www.bag.admin.ch/bag/en/home.html

Postal Address:

Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH)

Schwarzenburgstrasse 157

3003 Bern, Switzerland

Telephone: +41 58 463 00 00

Challenges in Working with the FOPH

Engaging with the FOPH involves:

•     Understanding Regulatory and Market Access Frameworks: Familiarity with Switzerland’s health policies and regulations is crucial for effective collaboration. Key frameworks are e.g. the “Effectiveness, appropriateness and economic efficiency” or WZW criteria (Wirksamkeit, Zweckmässigkeit und Wirtschaftlichkeit / WZW-Kriterien), the therapeutic cross-comparison (Therapeutischer Quervergleich, TQV) and the foreign price comparison (Auslandpreisvergleich)
•     Timely and Accurate Submissions: Ensuring that all necessary documentation is complete and submitted promptly to facilitate evaluation processes. This is required for reimbursement evaluations and price negotiations
•     Navigating Federal and Cantonal Structures: Collaborating effectively within Switzerland’s federal system, which includes both national and cantonal authorities.

Effective engagement with the FOPH can lead to successful implementation of health initiatives and policies in Switzerland.

Opportunities / Solutions with Justin Stindt Consultants

Justin Stindt’s FOPH expertise ensures:

•     Expert Consultant FOPH Engagement: Providing guidance on effectively engaging with the FOPH’s initiatives and leveraging its resources.
•     Market Access FOPH Strategies: Developing strategies that align with the FOPH’s health policies to optimize market access.
•     Specialist FOPH Processes: Offering insights into the FOPH’s procedures to enhance compliance and expedite approvals.

Justin Stindt Consultants specializes in assisting clients to effectively engage with the FOPH’s regulatory environment to achieve successful market access in Switzerland.