⏱ 1 min read
Background
At the end of September 2026, the Vaud Grand Council approved the choice of US software Epic to manage patient records in twelve hospitals in the canton. It voted a budget of 207 million francs, after several weeks of heated debate. Some had already criticised dependence on a US company.
The key points
A committee of citizens and MPs from across the political spectrum is launching a referendum against this choice, RTS reported on 29 October 2026. It has until 5 December to collect 12,000 signatures.
The committee invokes digital sovereignty and the protection of medical data. In its view, trust cannot rest on mere contractual commitments. It regrets that no local solution was studied.
The committee does not question the need to modernise health professionals' tools. It is asking for the population to have its say.
Key figures
- 207 million francs : budget voted for the project
- 12 : Vaud hospitals concerned
- 12 000 : signatures to be collected by 5 December
What it means for businesses
- Vaud hospitals : rollout of the software could depend on a popular vote.
- Local IT providers : the referendum committee regrets that no local solution was considered.
Who says what
- Referendum committee : medical records contain information “among the most intimate there is”.
- Yann Glayre (SVP/UDC MP), Vincent Keller (POP MP) and Graziella Schaller (Green Liberal MP): committee members.
What's next
- Deadline for collecting signatures: 5 December 2026.
Further reading
Sources
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