Children's hospitals demand more help

Children’s hospitals around the country are pressuring the government for help as costs soar and they’re having to deal with a spread of a respiratory infection which can be very dangerous for infants.

The RS virus is spreading around the world and it causes cold like symptoms. For most people recovery takes a couple of weeks – but can be lethal in babies under a year old.

Doctors say treating children is more complex and costly. There are six large children’s hospitals across the country and together they’re losing CHF 60m a year – and that’s increasing. 

Charities and cantons are plugging the hole at the moment. Parliament passed a motion back in 2020 to help finance the hospitals, but many are accusing the health minister Alain Berset of not acting. 

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