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Zurich: Patients should have easier access to cannabis

People who need cannabis for medical reasons should be issued with a special identity card to help them obtain the drug more easily, say authorities in the canton of Zurich.

Published: 24 November 2016 10:57 CET

Zurich: Patients should have easier access to cannabis

File photo: Marcel van Hoorn/AFP

It’s already legal for people to consume cannabis-based products for medical purposes, but they currently require authorization from the Swiss federal health office in order to do so, reported news agencies on Wednesday.

However, getting that authorization is so complicated and overly bureaucratic that many people look to obtain the drug illegally, said the Green Party, which launched a bill in Zurich’s parliament for a new system.

The bill, which was approved by 80 votes to 36, proposes that people in the canton suffering from an illness whose symptoms are relieved by cannabis can obtain an identity card which would give them the right to consume cannabis products.

Zurich authorities must now seek approval from the federal health office before the plan can be put into practice.

Earlier this year authorities in the Swiss capital Bern announced they were supporting the development of a pilot project which would see cannabis sold in pharmacies in the city.

A proposal for the scheme was developed by the city’s Institute for Social and Preventive Medicine and submitted to cantonal authorities in August for approval.

If approved, the pilot project will act as research into the affects of the regulated sale of cannabis on the consumption and purchasing behaviour of participants.

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How difficult is it to change your doctor in Switzerland?

There are a number of reasons why you may want to leave your GP and find a new one.

Maybe you don’t like their bedside manner, are not happy with the medical care, or are simply moving away and need to find someone closer to your new home.

Whatever the reason, whether or not you can easily switch from one doctor to another depends on the kind of health insurance you have.

Different models, different rights

If you have the ‘standard’ — and typically the most expensive — type of the obligatory health insurance (KVG / LaMal), then you are free to switch your GPs at will, and you don’t have to inform the insurance carrier of the switch.

However, if you have opted for one of the cheaper insurance models, then your right to switch doctors may be limited:

Family doctor model’

It is the most popular in Switzerland (and 20 percent cheaper than standard insurance policy premiums).

Under this model, you have a family doctor who will manage your care — that is, treat you or send you to specialists if needed (with the exception of gynecologists and eye doctors, who don’t require a referral).

You can’t, however, change doctors at will, unless your insurance company approves the switch.

Telemedicine model

If you have opted for the Telemed formula, you must call a health hotline set up by your insurance company.

They will give you a referral to a doctor or hospital based on your symptoms.

Heath Maintainance Organisation (HMO)

Under this model, policyholders are required to consult a particular HMO practice. Two disadvantages of this alternative is a limited choice of doctors and you also need a referral to see a specialist.

So the only option that gives you the right to switch doctors with no hassle is the standard one, with the family doctor model also possibly allowing you to do so, under certain circumstances.

The way Telmed and HMO are set up, however, switching doctors is not possible. If that option is important to you, then you will have to switch to the (more expensive) standard insurance.

The only exception to the above restrictions are emergencies, when you need urgent medical treatment.

Assuming you have the standard model, how do you go about changing?

The process is pretty simple: you can find physicians in your area either through recommendations from people you know (which is the best way to ensure you will not be getting an ‘anonymous’ doctor) or, if no recommendations are available, then through the OneDoc platform, which lists which doctors are taking new patients and where.

You can then make an appointment directly online.

When you do so, ask your current physician’s office to transfer your file to the new doc.

You don’t need to explain the reasons for the switch.

READ ALSO: The essential Swiss websites you need to use for health matters

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