Federal offices and administrative units of the FDHA
Federal offices
Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH)
The FOPH is responsible for national health policy and – together with the cantons – for the health of the Swiss population.
Federal Social Insurance Office (FSIO)
The FSIO is responsible for Switzerland’s main federal social insurance schemes: old-age and survivors’ insurance (OASI), invalidity insurance (IV), supplementary benefits, occupational pension provision, income compensation, transition benefits for older unemployed persons, as well as family allowances.
Federal Office of Culture (FOC)
The FOC formulates federal cultural policy and supports artistic creation and cultural organisations. It is responsible for heritage protection, monument preservation and archaeological sites. It also promotes linguistic and cultural communities.
Swiss Federal Archives (SFA)
The SFA is the ‘memory’ of the Swiss Confederation. It evaluates, preserves, catalogues, stores and provides access to records of enduring value in both analogue and digital form.
Federal Statistical Office (FSO)
The FSO produces and publishes key statistical data on the status and development of Switzerland. Its work improves data management and helps to drive digital transformation within public administration.
Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO)
The FSVO actively promotes the well-being of humans and animals. For humans, these efforts are focused on food safety and healthy eating. For animals, the focus is on animal health and welfare.
Federal Office for Gender Equality (FOGE)
The FOGE is committed to eliminating all forms of direct and indirect discrimination on gender grounds and promoting gender equality in all areas of life.
Federal Office of Meteorology and Climatology (MeteoSwiss)
MeteoSwiss monitors the atmosphere over Switzerland, provides information on weather and climate trends, issues warnings to authorities and the public about severe weather, and supplies comprehensive weather and climate data.
Institute of Virology and Immunology (IVI)
The IVI develops innovative solutions to combat viral animal diseases and zoonoses and provides diagnostics in crisis situations. The IVI is part of the Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO).
Assigned areas
Swiss Agency for Therapeutic Products (Swissmedic)
Swissmedic ist die zentrale schweizerische Aufsichtsbehörde für Heilmittel (Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte). Das Institut gewährleistet, dass in der Schweiz nur qualitativ hochstehende, sichere und wirksame Heilmittel erhältlich sind.
Swiss National Museum (SNM)
The SNM encompasses three museums – the National Museum Zurich, Château de Prangins and the Forum of Swiss History Schwyz – as well as the Collections Centre in Affoltern am Albis.
compenswiss
compenswiss manages the compensation funds for OASI, IV, and EO, ensuring an optimal balance between security and returns. It guarantees sufficient liquidity to meet obligations and maintain the stability of the Swiss social insurance system.
Swiss National Library (SNL)
The SNL is responsible for collecting, preserving, cataloguing and providing public access to printed and electronic publications related to Switzerland.
Swiss Arts Council Pro Helvetia
On behalf of the Confederation, Pro Helvetia promotes contemporary, professional artistic and cultural creation in Switzerland and its dissemination both nationally and internationally. It also supports cultural exchange.
Specialist services
Federal Supervisory Authority for Foundations (FSAF)
The FSAF ensures that the foundations under its supervision use their assets in accordance with the purposes set out in their statutes.
Federal Bureau for the Equality of People with Disabilities (FBED)
The FBED promotes equality between people with and without disabilities and works to eliminate legal and systemic disadvantages.
Service for Combating Racism (SCRA)
The SCRA is responsible for preventing racism and promoting human rights. It plans, supports and coordinates activities at the federal, cantonal and communal levels.
Extra-parliamentary commissions
Extra-parliamentary commissions are bodies appointed by the Federal Council or the Department to carry out public tasks on behalf of the government and administration.
Extra-parliamentary commissions, governing bodies and federal delegations within the FDHA
General Secretariat (GS-FDHA)
The General Secretariat is the Department’s central administrative office. It is responsible for planning, coordination and monitoring tasks and serves as a key interface between the head of the Department and the federal offices. It also coordinates resources and provides advisory services for the entire Department.