Zurich doctors can now issue ‘social prescriptions’ for therapeutic activities ranging from gardening and dancing to debt counselling. +Get the most important news from Switzerland in your inbox Zurich City’s parliament has approved the trial, which will cost CHF2.5 million. Four outpatient medical centres can refer patients to so-called ‘Link workers’ who will arrange the activities. The pilot project has been called “an important contribution to public health” that could relieve pressure on the health system. But some political parties have labelled it a “luxury treatment at the taxpayer's expense”, arguing that current health options are adequate to meet patients’ needs. + How to fix Switzerland's costly healthcare system Social prescriptions are aimed at patients who do not feel improvement from conventional medical treatment, such as those suffering from chronic pain or long Covid. The aim is to supplement the healing process with activities and to break social isolation.
