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SwitzerlandSwitzerland boasts one of the highest standards of living in the world, and many residents benefit from excellent healthcare. With substantial fees and/or health insurance required to see a doctor, however, barriers in accessing medical services exist for a sector of the population. Even at the primary care level, many people face difficulties getting even the most basic and necessary healthcare. MSF has begun to address some of these unmet healthcare needs. In January 2006, after conducting a six-month study, MSF opened a project in the canton of Zurich to provide healthcare to marginalised populations. The health meeting point, called Meditrina, is located in the city district Kreis 4 and provides free medical consultations and very basic drugs for patients who remain anonymous. Free consultations are provided for all people of Swiss or other origin who are neither medically insured nor in possession of the necessary financial means to pay for the treatment they need. When necessary, Meditrina refers patients through its network of physicians, specialists, medical institutions and social organizations. If it turns out a public institution is responsible for an individual, the patient is referred. MSF publicised the clinic through media, direct community contacts and social service organizations, and by the end of June 2006, 108 consultations had been carried out and the average number of patients visiting the center continues to rise each week. MSF previously operated a similar project in Fribourg, Switzerland. In 2004, this was handed over to a local organization, Fri- Santé. MSF has worked in Switzerland since 2003. |
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