Summary
The Federal Department of the Interior (FDI) opened a consultation procedure on June 19, 2026, regarding amendments to the Medicinal Products Act. The deadline for submissions runs until October 16, 2026. Five central reform areas are under discussion: new regulation of mail-order medicine sales, measures against supply shortages, harmonization of chiropractors' competencies with the Medical Professions Act, individual dispensing of medicines, and introduction of a supervision fee for medical devices.
Persons
- Federal Department of the Interior (Authority)
Topics
- Medicinal Products Act
- Medicine supply
- Medical device regulation
- Chiropractic
- Consultation procedure
Clarus Lead
Switzerland is modernizing its pharmaceutical regulation in an area that directly affects patients, pharmacies, and medical professionals. The opening of mail-order sales and the new regulation of supply security point to an adaptation to digital distribution channels and European practices. With the planned supervision fee for medical devices, the federal government also signals stronger cost responsibility for industry – a point that could meet with resistance from pharmaceutical companies.
Detailed Summary
The consultation procedure addresses structural gaps in current medicinal products legislation. The new regulation of mail-order medicine sales aims to make access to medications more flexible while maintaining quality standards. In parallel, explicit measures against supply shortages are to be anchored in law – a topic that has gained relevance due to international supply chain problems.
The harmonization of chiropractors' competencies with the Medical Professions Act creates legal clarity for a profession whose status has been fragmented to date. Individual dispensing of medicines will be newly regulated to reduce waste and increase patient safety. The introduction of a supervision fee for medical devices follows the principle of cost recovery from regulated entities – a model that is internationally established but represents a new financial burden for Swiss manufacturers.
Key Statements
- Five reform areas in the Medicinal Products Act are being opened for public discussion
- Mail-order medicine sales are to be newly regulated
- Supply security and shortages receive explicit legislative attention
- Chiropractors' competencies are being harmonized with the Medical Professions Act
- New supervision fee for medical devices is to cover regulatory costs
Critical Questions
Evidence Base: What data demonstrates that previous mail-order sales regulation has led to supply gaps or safety risks? Were case studies from EU countries consulted?
Conflicts of Interest: Which stakeholders (pharmaceutical companies, pharmacists, health insurance funds) have shaped the reform agenda? Are their positions documented in the draft?
Supervision Fee – Causality: How is the level of the new fee for medical devices justified? Does a cost analysis of supervision costs exist, or is this an estimate?
Supply Security Feasibility: What specific measures against shortages are planned? Can these be enforced by national authorities, or do they require international coordination?
Chiropractic Harmonization – Side Effects: Does equating chiropractors with other medical professions lead to shifts in insurance coverage by health insurance funds? Are cost increases expected for patients or insurers?
Individual Dispensing – Practical Implementation: How is individual dispensing technically implemented in pharmacies? Do additional costs arise that will be passed on to patients?
Source Directory
Primary Source: Consultation opening: Federal Department of the Interior – Amendment of the Medicinal Products Act 3b – https://fedlex.data.admin.ch/eli/dl/proj/2026/21/cons_1
Verification Status: ✓ June 19, 2026
This text was created with the support of an AI model. Editorial responsibility: clarus.news | Fact-checking: June 19, 2026