Why Switzerland is Coping Worsely with COVID-19 Despite Its Superior Healthcare System
Switzerland has long been celebrated for its robust healthcare system, often considered better than Germany's based on various rankings. However, during the pandemic, Switzerland faced higher case loads and a greater public drama despite having a mortality rate slightly below 2 and only 0.4 of the German case load per capita. This article will explore the reasons behind Switzerland's challenging response to COVID-19 and compare it with Germany's approach.
Leadership and Historical Context
It is worth mentioning that Switzerland had its first female president in 2020, while Germany's unique brand of leadership featured a female chancellor from 2005 to 2021. Interestingly, a number of studies and observations have noted that countries led by women, such as Germany and New Zealand, tend to handle crises better than those with male leadership, such as the United States and the United Kingdom.
Geographic and Economic Factors
To truly appreciate the context, consider the proximity of Switzerland to Milan and Bergamo. The distance between these Italian cities and many Swiss regions is minimal, leading to significant economic cooperation and daily movements of Italian workers into Switzerland. This concentration of cases has inevitably led to more infections in the country. Despite this, Switzerland managed to keep its mortality rate slightly below 2, making it a ratio that is favorable in comparison to many other countries.
Healthcare Systems and Capabilities
Cultural and Ethical Differences
It is important to acknowledge the cultural and ethical differences between the two countries. Swiss medical professionals and judges prioritize the comfort of patients, which often leads to a more cautious and conservative approach during outbreaks. In contrast, German healthcare professionals are described as "survival fanatics," focusing more on immediate life-saving measures. These differing philosophies can influence the daily decisions and strategies employed during a pandemic.
Contributing Factors
The geographic location of Switzerland, being close to North Italy, has also played a significant role in the spread of the virus. Tens of thousands of Italians travel daily for work, leading to sporadic and easily spread infections within the country. Additionally, Switzerland's healthcare system includes fewer insurance networks and deductible structures compared to Germany, which allows for better distribution of patients among healthcare providers and a more equitable healthcare experience.
Conclusion
While both Switzerland and Germany have excellent healthcare systems, their approaches during the pandemic reveal distinct strengths and weaknesses. Switzerland's focus on patient comfort and ethical considerations, while commendable, has led to higher case loads and greater public drama compared to Germany. Germany's tighter control over medical resources and robust laboratory network have proven to be more effective in managing the outbreak. The comparison of these healthcare systems during the pandemic offers valuable insights for both national and international healthcare policymakers. Understanding the unique factors that contribute to a nation's response to public health crises can help in developing more effective and adaptable strategies.