At its meeting held on 24 November 2021, the Federal Council appointed Monika Rüegg Bless as a new member of the Agency Council of Swissmedic. Ms Rüegg Bless's appointment is part of the overall renewal of this supervisory body for the period 2022–25.
24.11.2021
As of 1 January 2022, Monika Rüegg Bless, who is a member of the cantonal government and head of the health and social security department of Appenzell Innerrhoden, will succeed Vincenza Trivigno on the Agency Council of Swissmedic, as Ms Trivigno is not standing for reelection. The Federal Council confirmed that the six other members of the Council will remain in office for the period 2022–25.
Monika Rüegg Bless has in-depth knowledge of healthcare policy and of Switzerland’s hospital system. Prior to her election as member of the Appenzell Innerrhoden cantonal government, she worked in the St. Gallen cantonal hospital for 28 years, latterly as head of nursing care for the urology department and for the surgical outpatient clinic.
The seven-strong Agency Council is Swissmedic's supervisory body. It oversees the Management Board of Swissmedic, which in turn is responsible for operational matters. The Agency Council is currently chaired by Lukas Bruhin.