Initiator of the Einheits-KrankenKasse – the “EKK”
German – French – Italian – Romansh – English – ChatGPT
Werner Bachmann:
Lyrenweg 61, 8047 Zurich.
Born 1939 | Tel.: 079 300 9362 | Mail: w.bachmann@hispeed.ch
My life, shaped by highs and lows
I can look back on an exciting life filled with great highs, but also deep lows. I grew up well protected with my loving parents, together with my sister. After completing my fulfilling apprenticeship as an electrical installer, I married the love of my life, my Silvia, at the age of 21.1013x
Together we started a small after-work car business with just a few hundred francs. Back then we bought old VW Beetles, lined them with leftover carpets from Möbel Pfister and resold them successfully. The work was hard, but it made us happy – and the Beetles sold extremely well!
From a small trade to a flourishing company
Our business grew quickly and developed into a successful company. At its peak we employed 32 staff members, including car salespeople, leasing consultants, mechanics, panel beaters, painters and office staff. Even my father-in-law – our “Ätti” – worked for us as a petrol station attendant.
In 1972 I travelled to the United States on business to purchase cars. During my stay I lived with friends on Long Island in a dream house with a 4,000-square-metre garden. Back in Switzerland I told Silveli about my experiences and suggested building something similar. Since that was impossible in Zurich, Silveli found a house which she chose for us with the words: “This one or none!”
Our dream home and a happy family life
Thus, after only eleven years of marriage, we bought our own family home – financed entirely through our savings – on the edge of the forest in Albisrieden, with a garden and an unobstructed view over the city of Zurich. We spent many happy years there with our three children, our cats and our dogs. Our children enjoyed a protected childhood. We too experienced ups and downs, but we learned from them (mainly I did).
Blows of fate and serious illnesses
Life does not bring only sunshine. In 2018 Silveli suffered from cataracts, and in 2020 she experienced a life-threatening gastric perforation. She asked me never to have to return to hospital and to be allowed to die at home with me, supported by our wonderful Spitex service “D-Mobil”. I fulfilled her wish: on her 82nd birthday she passed away in my care. After 60 years of marriage I was devastated, and the pain remains with me to this day. I am grateful that I can continue our heartfelt project “Einheits-KrankenKasse” – it helps me focus on something meaningful. A beautiful photograph of Silveli stands beside my computer – in this way we are still together.
I too have endured many health challenges: a heart attack at 40, heart surgery with a hospital-acquired infection, prostate cancer, a fractured vertebra, COPD, artificial hip joints and many further procedures. In 2023 I survived my 40th general anaesthetic – a traumatic experience during which I became the victim of unacceptable misconduct. Today I depend on a wheelchair. When I am out and about, I manage my daily life with my “Silver Arrow”, without which, due to my walking disability, I would no longer be able to reach the door of my home – high above the rooftops of Zurich.
Despite everything: joy of life and confidence
Despite the challenges, I enjoy life whenever possible. I cook for myself, once again play melodies from my youth on my accordion and recorder, and often laugh at amusing WhatsApp messages.
My knowledge, my mission
With my many years of experience as an entrepreneur, a patient and a fighter against injustice, I know how things really work in executive offices, medical practices and hospitals. I have dealt not only with good people – like the majority of doctors and nursing staff – but also with unscrupulous management boards, crooks and corrupt actors – and I know how to unseat them.
I have used my time to turn knowledge and experience into websites:
Every day brings new challenges – often there are not enough hours!
Our Albisrieder-Komitee
Together with Dietmar Bruckmüller, I founded the Albisrieder-Komitee on 11 November 2024 in order to fight for change together with like-minded people:
For an honest and affordable healthcare system – the “Einheits-KrankenKasse”
Against unfair consumer prices with the “Stop Swiss surcharge” (our next initiative)
and thus for a future worth living.
In accordance with our statutes, we finance our expenses exclusively with our own capital and with your donations. We work on a voluntary basis and without salary – every contribution flows directly into our activities.
Please place your trust in me and in our committee. Only together can we be strong and bring about real change.
Thank you very much for your support!
Werner Bachmann