Three questions to our new board members: Florian Saur, Country General Manager Switzerland, AstraZeneca

Where do you see the most urgent need for action for Switzerland as a pharmaceutical location?

I think the most urgent need for action is with access to innovative drugs and therapies – it’s where Switzerland has to make sure it doesn’t miss out. To maintain one of the best healthcare systems in the world in the future, prevention and early detection, along with integrated care programs, should also be strengthened. To achieve this, the various stakeholders in the healthcare sector need to work better together. 

And how would you like to get involved with Interpharma here?

I want to ensure that the issues are understood and taken seriously by all parties involved. I want to build on our media conference, at which Interpharma was a guest, and show the political arena and society how important access to innovative medicines is for patients and the healthcare system in Switzerland. I also want to work toward ensuring that the long-term positive effect of prevention and early detection is recognized for a sustainable healthcare system, and that discussions are not only about short-term costs. At this year’s Health Trend Days in Lucerne for example, we had solid discussions with national and cantonal stakeholders at our lunch event. 

The annual report focused on the value of the pharmaceutical industry in Switzerland: for patients, research and the economy. Which term spontaneously comes to mind for the respective areas?

1. For patients: equal, fair and early access to treatments and the best possible treatment as quickly as possible
2. For research: Switzerland is known as an innovation hub – but there’s still some catching up to do in the healthcare sector (for example with access, studies and digitalization)
3. For the economy: pharmaceuticals is a major employer; we depend on the best talents, and a good relationship with the EU is crucial