With this operation, the Swiss Medical Network group strengthens its presence in the Canton of Ticino and lays the foundations for the development of its second integrated care network, called “Rete Sant'Anna”. The project aims to improve medical care for the population through greater collaboration between outpatient and hospital centers in the area.
Centromedico: a pillar of healthcare in Ticino
Founded in 2011, Centromedico has established itself as one of the leading providers of primary care in the canton, offering care to patients of all ages. With over 300 employees and a widespread presence throughout the Ticino region, the network of clinics provides basic medical services to a large portion of the population.
The acquisition by Swiss Medical Network represents a significant step towards the creation of an integrated care network, which aims to exploit synergies between outpatient and hospital care. Despite the operation, Centromedico will maintain its autonomy, adapting to the specific needs of individual facilities.
Dino Cauzza, CEO of Swiss Medical Network, said: "We are delighted to welcome the doctors and staff of the Centromedico group and contribute to the development of an integrated healthcare system in Ticino. We see great potential in the collaboration between medical centers and specialists, in order to continuously improve healthcare and meet the needs of the Ticino population."
Sant'Anna Network: the second region of integrated care
The creation of the Sant'Anna Network, which will become operational on 1 January 2025, marks the beginning of a new phase for the Swiss Medical Network in Ticino. This network is based on the model already implemented in the Bernese Jura with the Réseau de l'Arc project, which introduced a new approach to the local healthcare system through the VIVA plan.
The key concept of the integrated care network is a close collaboration between the various actors of the healthcare system, from the family doctor to specialists, with a focus on prevention and comprehensive healthcare management of patients. The Sant'Anna Network will bring together the Ars Medica and Sant'Anna clinics in Lugano, as well as numerous affiliated medical centers and accredited doctors, with the aim of covering the healthcare needs of over 350.000 Ticinese. This new structure will consist of almost 250 doctors and 600 employees, offering a wide range of services for the health and well-being of the population.
Members of the Ticino network will have access to the same VIVA services as their counterparts in the Bernese Jura, benefiting from the proximity of excellent medical facilities and multidisciplinary expertise. The VIVA plan will be available in Ticino from 1 January 2025, offering patients preventive and comprehensive healthcare.
Swiss Medical Network: A Growing Group
The acquisition of PDS Medical SA marks a further step in the growth strategy of Swiss Medical Network, one of the leading private groups in the Swiss hospital sector. With clinics and hospitals in 15 cantons and over 60 outpatient centers, the group is a leading provider of medical services nationwide. In 2023, Swiss Medical Network performed over 75.000 surgical procedures and treated more than 700.000 patients, covering the entire spectrum of medical specialties.
This expansion strengthens the position of Swiss Medical Network in Ticino, where it is already present with the Sant'Anna and Ars Medica clinics. The creation of the Sant'Anna Network will help further consolidate the group's presence in the region and ensure long-term continuity for patients and employees.
