Federal Council regulates supply of essential medical supplies
On April 3, 2020, the Federal Council approved measures to ensure the supply of essential medical supplies critical to preventing and combating coronavirus (COVID-19) disease.
The Federal Council is giving the Confederation more powers to coordinate the supply of essential medical supplies to combat the coronavirus. This was decided at its meeting on 3 April 2020. For example, the cantons will be obliged to report their current stocks of materials.
Material reporting requirement enacted
In order to ensure rapid access to new, promising therapies as well as to urgently needed medical products, the Federal Council has also decided on a number of exceptions to existing regulations on therapeutic products.
The compulsory reporting system is used to survey the stock of important therapeutic products and medical goods. This enables supply bottlenecks to be identified at an early stage and eliminated in a targeted manner.
The important medical goods are listed in COVID-19 Regulation 2, such as respirators, diagnostic tests, surgical masks or protective suits, and certain medicines.
The Federal Council has also regulated how the Confederation supports the cantons as well as non-profit organisations such as the Swiss Red Cross in the procurement of essential medical supplies if the need cannot be met through normal procurement channels. The allocation of the material is subsequently carried out centrally.
Restrictions of the Canton of Ticino extended
In view of the epidemiological situation, the Federal Council has also authorised the canton of Ticino to extend the restrictions on economic sectors until 13 April.
