Swiss healthcare System Faces Scrutiny Over Doctors With Revoked Licenses
A collaborative investigation involving journalists from over 40 countries has revealed that at least six doctors currently practicing in Switzerland have had their medical licenses revoked in other nations due to serious professional misconduct. Together, the research indicates at least 15 doctors who have faced restrictions or license withdrawals in Switzerland are continuing to practice medicine abroad. These findings were reported by the Tages-Anzeiger.
The investigation highlighted the case of a Norwegian physician convicted of sexual assault against patients in his home country. Following further attacks on women, his Norwegian license was revoked. He is now reportedly practicing in the canton of Zurich. In total, the international research identified 134 active doctors across 49 countries who are practicing despite having lost their licenses elsewhere.
A key factor contributing to this situation is Switzerland’s lack of connection to the European Union’s cross-border warning system. This system automatically alerts national authorities when a doctor loses their license in another EU member state.Despite years of political discussion, Switzerland remains unconnected.
According to Frédéric Berthoud of the State Secretariat for Education, Swiss cantons are not required to proactively inform international bodies when a doctor’s practice permit is withdrawn. This reliance on chance means that details regarding possibly problematic doctors isn’t consistently shared internationally.
Yvonne Gilli, President of the Swiss Medical Association (FMH), emphasized the importance of joining the EU warning system, stating it would “help enormously to combat the problem.” She warned that without such a system,Switzerland risks becoming a destination for doctors unable to practice elsewhere,suggesting that individuals with “a certain criminal energy” will exploit systemic gaps.
The issue isn’t limited to international concerns. Currently, there is no automatic system to verify whether a doctor practicing in one swiss canton has had their license revoked or submission denied in another. Moreover, the reasons for such actions are not publicly disclosed. According to Schneuwly, a technical solution for improved collaboration between the federal government and cantons exists and could prevent doctors from simply relocating to another canton to continue practicing despite a blocked approval.
