Women's Health: Society of Internal Medicine Calls for More Basic Research - Germany's gender-sensitive medicine push stalls despite ministerial pledges

The German government has promised to boost gender-sensitive medicine research, but concrete steps remain unclear. Ministers Dorothee Bär and Nina Warken have pledged support, yet no specific projects have been launched since the German Society for Internal Medicine (DGIM) called for action last year.

Gender-sensitive medicine examines biological differences between men and women. Current research often relies on male subjects, with results applied to women without adjustment. DGIM President Dagmar Führer-Sakel has highlighted gaps in hormonal and molecular studies, where gender-specific approaches are lacking.

The DGIM has repeatedly urged the federal government to prioritise women's health research. Despite public commitments from Bär and Warken, no funded initiatives or policies have materialised. Available records show no state or federal approvals for gender-fair medicine projects since the DGIM's 2023 appeal.

Without clear measures, the push for gender-sensitive medicine remains stalled. The government's pledges have yet to translate into funded research or policy changes. Experts continue to stress the need for targeted studies to address long-standing gaps in women's healthcare.