20 years ago …
"was a member of the Constituent Assembly of the canton of Fribourg. My position was only marginally linked to healthcare policy, for example through health promotion."
My first encounter with Swissmedic ...
"was in 2012, shortly after my election as a Federal Councillor. I clearly remember the first meeting with Christine Beerli, who was then Chairwoman of the Agency Council, and with Jürg Schnetzer, who was Executive Director of Swissmedic at the time. Of course, as a member of the Council of States, I already had dealings with Swissmedic."
When there is a great deal of focus on an institution ...
"it’s ideal if – as Swissmedic did – you have already positioned yourself well. In other words, you strengthen your governance and team, streamline your processes and expand your expertise. Irrespective of the pandemic, expectations of Swissmedic have risen sharply in recent years and will continue to do so given developments in the healthcare sector, where ever more complex innovations have to be assessed – whether in personalised medicine or novel therapies."
During the pandemic, Swissmedic …
"achieved great things and demonstrated independence, which built trust. Medicinal products are only authorised if they are safe, effective and of a high quality. Swissmedic was always transparent about where it had reached in a process. And it was at times very fast – for example, with the first authorisation of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine in December 2020. Back then, Swissmedic was the first Western authority to authorise this vaccine under the ordinary procedure. This caused a stir internationally and is something we should be a bit proud of."
"I also feel the trust that the Swiss people and politicians have in the activities of Swissmedic."
Alain Berset
The current Swissmedic management …
"and I maintain close contact. Personal interaction is extremely important. I also feel the trust that the Swiss people and politicians have in the activities of Swissmedic."
In 20 years, Swissmedic has …
"become one of the most respected regulatory authorities worldwide. The aspiration is and remains being a key player in the healthcare sector – both nationally and internationally – as well as ensuring rapid access to innovative therapeutic products for the population. Swissmedic should be at the forefront in digitalisation and assist other countries with ensuring access for their populations to safe, effective, high-quality medicines through development cooperation."
For Switzerland, Swissmedic means …
"having its own agency for our important healthcare sector – but also guaranteeing safe, high-quality and effective medicinal products and medical devices; and not only when they come onto the market, but throughout the life of these therapeutic products. Swissmedic is well connected worldwide and also does pioneering work in many areas, such as detecting counterfeit medicinal products."
My personal message to the employees of Swissmedic is:
"Thank you for your fantastic work and strong commitment. During this crisis in particular, you have done a good and important job under considerable pressure and in the public spotlight."