The first part of the conference focused on how innovative technologies and entrepreneurial approaches can improve medical care and how they are shaping the healthcare landscape in Switzerland.

Priv. Doz. Dr med. Titus Brinker from the German Cancer Research Centre held a keynote speech on the potential of AI in preventive care and diagnostics. He also addressed the concept of ‘doctor time scarcity’ and called for a rethink regarding the use of resources.

In the panel discussion that followed, Dr Katharina Gasser, Roche Pharma Switzerland, Christoph Mäder, economiesuisse, and Government Councillor Dr Lukas Engelberger highlighted the urgent need for reforms in drug reimbursement, hospital planning and digital infrastructure.

In his keynote speech, Marcel Napierala, CEO of the Medbase Group, argued in favour of a more entrepreneurial and interconnected healthcare system, optimised through hybrid care models and cross-sectoral collaboration.

The second session focused on the structural challenges of healthcare – and the opportunities that lie in data-driven management, prevention and international exchange.

Dr Yvonne Gilli, FMH, Prof Dr Katharina Blankart, Bern University of Applied Sciences, and Dr Heinz Locher discussed inefficiencies and the need to view health not only as a cost factor, but also as a value factor. Michael Oberreiter, Roche, summed up this paradigm shift.

Faith Perh from Singapore provided international perspectives: their ‘S+3M’ financing model combines individual responsibility with government support and shows how system design can contribute to cost control and security of care.

In an interview, Dr René P. Buholzer, Interpharma, and Dr Guido Schüpfer, LUKS, stressed the importance of interoperable data, evidence-based decisions and new governance models to make healthcare more efficient and patient-centred in the long term.

The third session focused on aspects that are often neglected in the public debate – but are crucial for a holistic understanding of health.

Prof Dr Carolin Lerchenmüller, University of Zurich, highlighted the extent to which women are underrepresented in medical research and care – with concrete implications for diagnosis and medication.

Dr Antonella Santuccione Chadha, Women’s Brain Foundation, called for more investment in women’s health and neurological research.

An emotional highlight was the discussion with Alexandra Helbling, wheelchair athlete and Paralympian, about mental strength, structural barriers and equality in sport.

Finally, Dr Eckart von Hirschhausen made it clear that climate protection is health protection – and that health begins with the air we breathe.