According to a study, about 80 percent of people in the country have difficulty navigating the healthcare system. It is often unclear when a visit to the emergency room is necessary, when a primary care physician is sufficient, or where to find rapid medical assistance in a crisis.
The project launched on July 1, 2026
Surveys also show that people with low levels of education, low social status, and limited financial resources, in particular, have a hard time navigating the healthcare system. This is where the project “Navi-G – Cross-County Strengthening of Health Navigation Competence in Urban and Rural Areas” comes in; it launched on July 1, 2026. The goal: to improve navigation of the healthcare system for all citizens. Participants include the state capital of Stuttgart, Lörrach County, the Heilbronn County Administrative Office, the city of Heilbronn, the Ludwigsburg County Administrative Office, the Esslingen County Administrative Office, and the Emmendingen County Administrative Office.
Together, the cities and districts are first examining where the greatest obstacles lie in everyday life. Based on this, the participants are developing concrete solutions. The solutions are designed to work in both urban and rural areas.
Close cooperation with other districts and cities is particularly important
“We are committed to this project as a reliable partner because we want to make it easier for people in Ludwigsburg District to access appropriate health, support, and counseling services. Our citizens in various life situations should be able to receive the support they need quickly and easily,” says Dr. Karlin Stark, Director of Health Services at the Ludwigsburg District Office. “Close collaboration with other counties and cities in Baden-Württemberg is particularly important to us. This allows us to pool our experience and expertise to improve our healthcare system in a sustainable way.”
Results are expected to be transferable to other regions
The project is funded by the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, and Integration using funds from the Pact for Public Health Services and will be implemented through the end of 2028. The project combines urban and rural perspectives and creates a framework in which experiences can be pooled and practical solutions made available across district boundaries. The project is supported by joint steering structures, technical expertise, and ongoing evaluation. The results are intended not only to benefit the participating districts but also to be transferable to other regions.
