Prevention

Prevention includes all measures aiming to prevent illnesses before they occur, to detect them at an early stage or to contain the progression of existing illnesses. Early, targeted and preventive interventions can avoid suffering and follow-up costs. In this regard, certain preventive measures are among the most cost-effective health interventions. They can not only alleviate suffering, but also avoid significant secondary illness and consequential costs. A sustainable healthcare system must meet the challenges of demographic change and growing cost pressure. In order to leverage the full potential of prevention, provisions must be taken that can be measured in terms of effectiveness. However, the diversity of preventive approaches requires a careful allocation of resources to ensure efficiency and a positive impact.

From Interpharma’s point of view, empowering personal responsibility and targeted prevention are essential pillars of Swiss health policy that play an indispensable role in shaping a sustainable and efficient healthcare system. The personal responsibility and health literacy of the population should be supported so that they can make decisions and take independent measures for health promotion and prevention on the basis of clear information – without re-educational measures at the state level.

Prevention is the key to a healthier population, and also an important pillar of a holistic health strategy. In this respect, it is essential that this strategy takes demographic development and the associated increase in chronic diseases into account. It is not sufficient to encourage people to adopt a healthier attitude and lifestyle – health risks must be systematically identified at an early stage and, if necessary, treated.