“Your dedication enriches our county immensely. You demonstrate how important it is for social cohesion to stand up for one another and take responsibility. I would like to thank you all for that,” said District Administrator Dietmar Allgaier, addressing the project participants and volunteers at the opening of the clinic for people without health insurance.
Volunteer doctors treat those in need
During the clinic, volunteer doctors and medical assistants provide medical care. They treat health conditions for which patients would generally also seek care at a regular doctor’s office. These include, for example, respiratory and infectious diseases, ear, nose, and throat (ENT) conditions, injuries resulting from accidents, or cancer. The clinic offers anonymous care.
“With these clinic hours, we are creating an important, low-barrier service for people who face particular barriers to accessing health care due to a lack of health insurance coverage,” explains Dr. Karlin Stark, Director of Health and Consumer Protection at the District Office. “The reasons for lacking insurance are varied. What those affected have in common is that they are at risk of falling through the cracks of the healthcare system.”
The District Office is providing the space. Consultations take place once a week, every Monday from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
A Joint Project of the Public Health Department and Welfare Organizations
The idea for such a drop-in center was first presented at the 2025 Municipal Health Conference. At the 2026 Municipal Health Conference, a report was given on the current status of planning and project progress. The concept is based, among other things, on the existing “Stuttgart Model.”
“The clinic for people without health insurance is a good example of how welfare organizations, medical professionals, and the public health service can work together to improve access to healthcare,” emphasizes Martin Strecker, Executive Director of the Ludwigsburg District Diaconal Association.
Plans to Expand the Service in the Future
A pilot phase is planned initially. Based on the experiences gained during the clinic and the actual demand, the service will then be further developed. In the future, for example, it is conceivable that the service could be expanded to include dental care, as is also provided for in the Stuttgart Model. In addition, there are plans to advise those affected on how they can return to the standard healthcare system.
Clinic for People Without Health Insurance
Time: Mondays , 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Location: Ludwigsburg Public Health Department, Hindenburgstr. 20/1, E01 (ground floor)
