AI translation of the German original. Legal references and sources remain those of the original document. German version.
¶ Electronic Health Dossier – Benefits, Rights and Risks
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As of: 4 October 2026. The new legislation is not yet in force. This wiki distinguishes between existing law, the Federal Council draft, the National Council decision and political demands.
The federal government intends to replace the current electronic patient dossier (EPD) with an electronic health dossier (E-GD). The most important change concerns how the dossier is opened: instead of actively applying for a dossier, persons with a domicile or habitual residence in Switzerland are in principle to receive one unless they object. As with Bilaterals III, this main chapter leads from the starting point through the proposal to opportunities, risks and original sources. Draft legislation, Art. 20
¶ Key Facts at a Glance
| Question | Confirmed Status |
|---|---|
| Has the E-GD already been decided? | The National Council approved it on 14 September 2026 with 134 yes, 53 no and 10 abstentions. Deliberation in the Council of States is still pending. Official individual votes Parliamentary report |
| How widespread is the current EPD? | 136,076 opened dossiers as of end of April 2026. This is a stock figure, not evidence of regular use. eHealth Suisse |
| When could the new system start? | According to FOPH planning, at the earliest 2030, depending on deliberation, procurement and implementation. FOPH |
| Can I object today? | The future E-GD objection procedure has not yet been opened. FOPH |
| Is everything finally settled? | No. Costs, technical design, implementing legislation and the interaction with SwissHDS remain decisive implementation issues. More detail |
¶ Politics – Where the Legislation Stands
Parliament and Chronology explains the decisions of the National Council, the still-pending Council of States deliberation, and the possible referendum. Federal Council Message and Parliamentary Decision shows which version underpins which statement.
¶ Where We Stand – The Current Patient Dossier
¶ What Is on the Table – The New Health Dossier
- Automatic Opening and Objection
- Access, Emergencies, Representation and Deletion
- Data Security, Encryption and Open Source Code
- SwissHDS and DigiSanté: How the Systems Are Connected
- Costs and Responsibility
¶ What Switzerland Can Gain and Risk
- Opportunities and Conditions for Benefit
- Criticism, Counter-Arguments and Interests
- Implementation and Open Issues
¶ About This Wiki
Frequently Asked Questions and Glossary · Sources and Methodology
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