Hesse's bold move to close health gaps for children and teens

Hesse is set to bolster health equity for children and young people through new legal changes. Health Minister Diana Stolz has introduced a draft bill to amend the Hessian Child Health Protection Act. The proposed updates aim to improve early detection and medical support across the state.

The amendment will expand the tasks of Hessian Child Health Centres. One key addition is the inclusion of newborn hearing screening in their official duties. Early identification of inherited hearing issues allows for faster treatment, helping children's development from the start.

Another change involves the J 1 examination, a voluntary health check for 13- and 14-year-olds. Parents will now receive letters inviting their children to attend. The exam covers medical assessments, advice on health risks, early disease detection, and support for HPV vaccinations. It also helps identify signs of abuse.

The draft bill is part of a broader strategy called the 'Action Plan Children and Youth Medicine'. This plan will be discussed in the next Health Pact Hesse meeting. Its goal is to secure and enhance medical care for young people throughout the region.

The proposed law focuses on practical measures to protect children's health. By adding newborn hearing tests and promoting the J 1 exam, Hesse aims to catch health issues early. The next steps include further discussions in the Health Pact Hesse meeting to finalise the plan.