Switzerland Waives CHF 1.5M Italian Fire Victim Costs

Switzerland will waive reimbursement of about 1.5 million francs in medical costs for 12 Italians injured in the Crans-Montana fire and treated in Swiss hospitals, leaving no bill for their families or Italy. The decision follows controversy over invoices sent to victims’ families and a dispute over whether Italy’s health system should repay the costs under existing cross-border rules. Switzerland described the waiver as an exceptional measure, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni welcomed it, thanking Swiss President Guy Parmelin and expressing support for victims and their families.