Pilot Project: New Preventive Care for Girls and Women in Bavaria - Bavaria launches groundbreaking women's health checks for teens and menopause

Bavaria is pushing for new health measures aimed at girls and women. The state's Health Ministry wants preventive checks for teenage girls aged 12 to 17 and a dedicated screening programme for women experiencing menopause. Health Minister Judith Gerlach announced the plans on International Women's Day, calling for stronger focus on gender-sensitive medicine.

The initiative comes after Gerlach highlighted long-standing gaps in women's health equity. She stressed that symptoms of heart attacks and mental health conditions often differ between men and women. Many women still face misdiagnosis or delays in treatment due to underrepresentation in clinical research.

A pilot screening programme is now underway at the Women's Clinic of the Technical University of Munich. No other German medical facility has yet introduced similar projects for girls or menopausal women. Gerlach also urged changes in medical training, research, and practice to better address gender-specific health needs.

The proposed checks and screenings aim to improve early detection and treatment for women. If successful, the pilot could lead to wider adoption across Bavaria. The ministry's push reflects growing recognition of the need for tailored health insurance solutions for women.