The Swiss Federal Council has announced plans to address the country's ongoing medication shortages by drafting a direct counterproposal to the "Yes to Medical Supply Security" initiative.

While rejecting the initiative as too broad and ineffective, the government aims to strengthen the supply of essential medicines like painkillers and antibiotics.

Health Minister Elisabeth Baume-Schneider emphasized the need for targeted measures, granting the federal government more authority to manage shortages, which are currently handled by cantons and private companies.

The initiative, backed by smaller pharmaceutical firms, calls for increased domestic production and storage of critical drugs.

The Federal Council's counterproposal, expected by summer 2025, will focus on affordable, widely-used medications, aiming to ensure long-term supply security for the Swiss population.