"The importance of networking relevant players in the health sector was also a key finding of the 2024 Health Report - the Municipal Health Conference offers a crucial platform for this," emphasized District Administrator Dietmar Allgaier in his welcoming address.
Working group to address demographic change
Following the first Basic Health Report 2024, this year's KGK focused on outpatient medical care. Marius Gäßler, an employee of the Ludwigsburg district health authority, presented the key findings of the first general survey on GP care among GP practices and local authorities in the district - including the noticeable demographic change in the medical profession. The results will be incorporated into a focus report that will be published on the district administration's website in the summer. The members of the KGK have also decided to set up a working group on outpatient medical care.
Prevention of obesity in children and adolescents picks up speed
Dr. Stephan Döring, Deputy Head of the Health Promotion and Health Planning Department of the Health Department, reported on current developments in the working group "Obesity in children and adolescents", which was founded in 2024. The working group has made good progress in setting up free exercise and prevention programs for children and adolescents with overweight and obesity. The homepage subpage "Overweight and obesity in children and adolescents in the Ludwigsburg district" went online last week. In addition to a wealth of information and helpful tips, it contains information on various free exercise programs for children and young people who are overweight or obese.
Successful model for midwife care in the district
Alessa Polziehn, an employee of the health department, presented the current status of midwife support as a successful project in the district that can serve as a model for other districts. Since 2021, six decentralized midwife practices have been established in the district, which, according to current figures from 2021 to 2024, were able to care for a total of 4,458 families or women. By eliminating the need to travel to families and having fixed consultation hours on site, the midwives in the practices are able to care for significantly more families. In May, the application to extend the funding for the midwife structure will be discussed by the district council's social committee.
Focus on care for people without health insurance
Dr. Gebhard Altenburger introduced the topic of medical and dental care for people without health insurance as a new impulse and reported on the practice of Malteser Medizin für Menschen ohne Krankenversicherungen (MMM) in Stuttgart. Since 2008, people without health insurance have been able to receive free medical treatment there, anonymously if they wish, and dental treatment since 2024. Volunteer doctors and medical professionals make a valuable contribution to ensuring medical care. Dr. Gebhard Altenburger and the project group's cooperation partners are investigating whether and how this can be implemented in the Ludwigsburg district.
Background:
The Municipal Health Conference (KGK) in the district of Ludwigsburg has been coordinating health issues at district level since 2011 and developing goals in the areas of health promotion, prevention, medical care and nursing. It is an important platform for networking local stakeholders and initiating joint change processes. In 2015, a legal basis was created in the State Health Act that obliges all rural and urban districts with a health authority to set up a municipal health conference. The KGK is made up of representatives from various areas such as the medical profession, clinics, educational institutions, social services, health insurance companies and local politics.
