The new edition of “Facts and Figures 2025” from pharmaSuisse and the approval of the new pharmacist tariff LOA V clearly show that Swiss pharmacies have long been more than just dispensing points for medicines. They are the first point of contact for health issues, measurably reduce the burden on the system and continue to gain in importance with new tasks .
Around 1,800 pharmacies in Switzerland are openly accessible every day without an appointment and without formal hurdles. Every year, they provide millions of consultations on minor health problems, medication, prevention and therapy. In this way, they noticeably relieve the burden on doctors’ surgeries, emergency rooms and hospitals. The latest figures from pharmaSuisse show that pharmacies are the low-threshold entry point into the healthcare system for many people, in cities as well as in rural and Alpine regions.
Cost-efficient pillar of basic care
Despite their central role, pharmacies only account for around three percent of the costs borne by compulsory health insurance. One of the main reasons for this is the systematic use of generics and, increasingly, biosimilars, which are therapeutically equivalent but significantly cheaper than original preparations. The new LOA V pharmacy tariff, which came into force on January 1, 2026, will further strengthen this role. The tariff provides targeted incentives for the dispensing of cost-effective biosimilars and covers pharmaceutical services in a more differentiated and cost-oriented manner without increasing overall costs. This benefits both the insured persons and the quality of care.
Consultation at the pharmacy: quick help without detours
For acute complaints such as back pain, skin rashes or a sore throat, a trip to the emergency room or doctor’s surgery is often not absolutely necessary. Today, many of these problems can be clarified and treated quickly and easily directly in the pharmacy. In a personal consultation with the pharmacist, usually in a separate room, patients receive medical advice and – if indicated – the appropriate medication immediately, even a prescription medication under certain circumstances. The “consultation in the pharmacy” is therefore a low-threshold and cost-effective alternative to the emergency ward, even in the evening or at weekends, without prior appointment and without long waiting times.
Since the beginning of 2019, pharmacists have been allowed to dispense prescription medicines without a doctor’s prescription under clearly defined conditions. This is based on a structured medical assessment with a medical history and triage, supplemented by simple tests such as urine status or throat swabs if necessary. The consultation is confidential and subject to professional secrecy. The pharmacist decides together with the patient how to proceed, refers the patient to a doctor or other specialist if necessary and ensures that treatment can begin immediately afterwards. As a result, pharmacies are increasingly becoming the first port of call for complaints such as bladder infections, conjunctivitis or pharyngitis, back pain, tick bites, skin diseases, earache, sinusitis, migraines, allergies or gastrointestinal problems and an important relief factor for doctors’ surgeries and emergency departments.
The costs for the “consultation at the pharmacy” are borne by the patient and are paid directly at the pharmacy. The amount of the tariff is usually graduated according to expenditure and is determined by each pharmacy itself. As part of managed care models, the costs can be billed via some health insurers.
More safety when dispensing medication
LOA V also brings qualitative improvements. Among other things, automated blister packaging, in which medication is individually packaged for each intake time, is now reimbursed. This significantly increases safety, particularly in nursing homes, as mix-ups and dosage errors are reduced and administration is easier to monitor. At the same time, this form of dispensing helps to avoid wasting medication. Instead of standard packs with a surplus, patients receive exactly the quantity they actually need.
Vaccinations and prevention are gaining in importance
Pharmacies are also expanding their role in the area of prevention. Today, two out of three pharmacies offer vaccinations without prior appointment. From 2027, these services will be covered by compulsory health insurance. This will make access even easier for the population and at the same time relieve the burden on GP practices, which will be able to focus more on more complex cases.
Working under pressure
Around 24,000 employees in Switzerland ensure a continuous supply of medicines and advisory services. They do this despite a shortage of specialists, increasing administrative requirements and recurring medication shortages. In such situations in particular, pharmacies play an important coordinating role, providing information about therapeutically equivalent alternatives and helping to ensure that treatments can be continued without interruption wherever possible.
Campaign for more visibility
Despite their wide range of services, many people are still unaware of the range of skills pharmacies cover today. With the “We make it possible – your pharmacy” campaign, pharmaSuisse wants to change this image. The aim is to position the pharmacy as a primary healthcare provider and to shift its image from being a place that simply dispenses medication to being the first point of contact for health issues.
“Ask your doctor or pharmacist”
Swiss pharmacies are now at a turning point: they are no longer just distribution points for medicines, but are developing into local healthcare centers with growing medical responsibility. With their low access threshold, their high level of professional expertise and their pronounced cost efficiency, they are noticeably easing the burden on the healthcare system. The new LOA V tariff creates a modern basis for this, while services such as consultations in pharmacies, vaccinations without prior appointment and new technologies such as blister packaging show where the journey is heading. It will be crucial that these services are not only recognized politically and in terms of tariffs, but are also anchored in the population as a natural first step when it comes to health issues.
Binci Heeb
Read also: Electronic health dossier: the start of a networked and sovereign healthcare system
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