Switzerland: Should coronavirus sceptics forfeit their bed in the case of ICU bottlenecks?

Intensive care places are running out all across Switzerland, with the situation in some cantons becoming particularly dire. 

READ: Switzerland's intensive care units ‘close to capacity or above' 

Willy Oggier, a leading Health Economist who advises a number of Swiss hospitals on the coronavirus pandemic, has recommended a radical idea in the event of bottlenecks in intensive care units. 

Oggier told Swiss broadsheet Tages Anzeiger that whether or not someone is a coronavirus skeptic should be considered in making triage decisions. 

"I suggest that corona skeptics forfeit their right to an acute bed or an intensive care place if there are bottlenecks," said Oggier. 

“Anyone who is reported because they wilfully disregard the rules of distance and hygiene should be responsible for their actions. I suggest that these people be recorded by name and, in case of doubt, not be given an intensive care bed. 

“This is consistent with the polluter pays principle.”

Oggier defended his suggestion, saying it did not amount to a restriction on free speech. 

“No, it's not about putting controls on social behaviour.

“I’m just talking about the bottleneck situations. If the hospitals reach their limits, the medical professionals cannot avoid deciding who to give the last bed to. 

“I think it's fairer when the self-proclaimed Corona rebel is left behind than when it simply hits the oldest patient in the room.”