[Political aspects. Prevention and political realities]

Present health legislation in Switzerland is largely concerned with the protection of our inhabitants from biological, chemical and physical risk of the environment. More and more it extends to economic aspects and to the behavior of the individual. Also in this respect a legal basis not only for the coverage of the consequences but also for the prevention of ill health is needed. Responsible citizens of our nation devoted to freedom and democracy merit that such a basis does rely as little as possible on bureaucratic enforcement but mainly on information and health education, controlled by science and experience and oriented towards the human needs and values of our society.