The second day of the Health Tech Global Summit in Basel focused on two key questions: how can a solidarity-based healthcare system remain affordable and innovative, and how can artificial intelligence improve access to justice and protection for the most vulnerable? From the federal complexity of Swiss health care to digital tools for victims of violence, the topics ranged from politics, technology and responsibility.
After a first conference day full of networking and debates, the second day was intended to bring not only energy but also speed, according to the moderators. The organizers emphasized the need to bring discussions from the hall to the public and to give the relocation to Basel a clear meaning: The ecosystem should not only be convincing on slides, but should be experienced on site. Due to geopolitical uncertainties and limited travel options, individual program items had to be moved to the virtual world at short notice, including Amal Clooney’s contribution. Nevertheless, the message was clear: virtual appearances are not a substitute, but a strategic format with the same stage, technical priority and demand for interaction.
Foundation of the Oxford Institute of Technology and Justice
The next block bridged the gap between health policy and justice technology. In the virtual session, Amal Clooney was introduced as a prominent voice who wants to use AI specifically for access to justice. A key example was the founding of the Oxford Institute of Technology and Justice, which aims to harness AI for the rule of law. Three key areas were mentioned: more accountability in cybercrime, better usability of digital evidence through pattern recognition and verification, and scaling legal knowledge through data platforms and training courses.
Applications in countries with an extremely low level of legal services were particularly tangible. In Malawi, where there are only a few hundred lawyers per million inhabitants, digital tools are being developed for first responders who can quickly answer legal questions in crisis situations and establish contact with pro bono lawyers. Another tool supports victims of gender-based violence in drawing up protection orders by automating a large part of the steps, subject to quality control by lawyers.
From individual cases to system effects
In the interview, Clooney traced her path from corporate law to human rights work. She described how pro bono cases have shown her that legal expertise can serve not only companies, but also marginalized groups. The decisive factor is often a feeling of outrage at injustice, combined with the question of whether legal intervention can have an impact. According to Clooney, change rarely comes about through the big bang, but through strategically chosen cases that set precedents and thus have an impact beyond the individual case.
One summit, two perspectives, one common denominator
The second day of the summit made it clear how closely health, law and technology are now interwoven. On the one hand, there is the challenge of keeping a complex, solidarity-based system stable under cost and personnel stress; on the other, there is the opportunity to use AI as an infrastructure for access to protection, information and fair procedures. The common denominator is governance: without clear rules, trust and responsibility, innovation remains fragile; with them, it becomes scalable.
Swiss healthcare system between access, quality and costs
Dr. Lukas Engelberger, Health Director of the Canton of Basel Stadt and President of the Conference of Cantonal Health Directors, outlined the basic dilemma of modern healthcare policy as a triangle: broad access, high quality and affordable costs. Switzerland currently benefits from very good key figures such as high life expectancy and low infant mortality, but the stability of this model is under pressure.
Engelberger explained the federal architecture as both a strength and a burden. 26 cantons, numerous municipalities and a large number of private players form a system with many interfaces. The federal government primarily sets the legal framework, for example for health insurance, epidemics, transplants or healthcare professions, while the cantons bear central operational responsibility, particularly for hospital planning, parts of financing and in crisis situations. This decentralization enables proximity to the population, but increases complexity and the coordination effort.
Skills shortage and premium burden as the most pressing issues
Engelberger described the demographic development and the associated need for care for older people with multiple illnesses as particularly critical. The bottleneck is increasingly shifting from infrastructure to personnel. The shortage of healthcare professionals threatens to become the dominant problem, while at the same time funding is becoming more politicized. High health insurance premiums are a key area of concern and it is becoming apparent that more public funding will be required in the future. A further step in the system is planned for 2028, which underlines the momentum for reform.
Drug prices: Access to innovation under geopolitical pressure
One focus was on the question of how Switzerland can ensure rapid access to new medicines in the future. Engelberger referred to international tensions surrounding pricing and the growing pressure from the USA. During the discussion, it became clear that a stronger influence of external pricing logic could challenge the Swiss priority of broad accessibility. The uncomfortable option of having to accept higher prices for earlier access and developing more creative pricing and reimbursement models in parallel, for example with prices falling more sharply over time, was discussed. At the same time, Engelberger emphasized that Switzerland wants to stick to the principle of making medicines available not only to those who can afford them.
Digitalization: using data, securing trust
In addition to costs, personnel and medicines, Engelberger named digitalization as a strategic priority. The key question is how patient data can be securely made available where it is medically needed without undermining data protection and data sovereignty. Technological development, particularly through AI in research, translation tools and clinical information systems, opens up new perspectives, but requires pragmatic solutions. Regulation will naturally fall short of the possibilities, so a framework that protects the most sensitive data and at the same time does not block progress is crucial. Engelberger also called for greater international coordination based on European standards and referred to the further development of Swiss data protection legislation.
Basel as an ecosystem: values as a location factor
Engelberger linked the present with a location narrative: Innovation requires infrastructure, research, clinical excellence, but also values such as the rule of law, intellectual property, academic freedom and open debate. Basel has historically been characterized by international networking, from early academic impulses to its current role as a life sciences hub. The large companies are a strong heart, but an ecosystem is only created through the network of start-ups, research, hospitals and talent. In turbulent times, he appealed for a return to human dignity, tolerance, integrity and the free competition of ideas.
Binci Heeb
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