Bavaria's health politicians are pushing forward groundbreaking projects in medicine and health research. The funds from the so-called parliamentary group reserve of the government factions of the CSU and Freie Wähler will be used, for example, to advance transplant medicine, research into chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), novel cancer therapies and improvements in midwifery training.
"We have paved the way for important innovations in healthcare that will directly benefit seriously ill people in our state," explained Bernhard Seidenath, CSU member of the state parliament, from Dachau, who also heads the health and care committee in the state parliament.
The research team led by Munich heart surgeon Prof. Dr. Bruno Reichart, for example, will receive 400,000 euros to enable a medical breakthrough: The transplantation of pig hearts into humans, which is to be implemented for the first time at Klinikum Großhadern in 2024. With the so-called xenotransplantation, it will be possible to combat the shortage of organs and give hope to many seriously ill people and their families, Seidenath said.
A total of 1.6 million euros will be used to fund research into chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), a disease that limits the quality of life of those affected more than any other. Unfortunately, research into this disease is still in its early stages, he said. Since it occurs after viral diseases, such as Pfeiffer's glandular fever or COVID-19, an increasing number of patients are affected: around 35,000 in Bavaria. A new drug now offers hope and is being tested in a study.
Seidenath also advocated the construction of a simulation delivery room, which is being funded with 550,000 euros and in which in Erlangen future midwives-to-be will be able to practice the correct handling in critical moments of childbirth in a state-of-the-art environment.
Cancer research - especially for the so-called diffuse intrinsic ponsglioma DIPG, the most difficult childhood cancer - is also supported by the parliamentary group funds.
Also funded with a six-figure sum is a National Alliance for Pandemic Therapeutics, the aim of which is to make drugs available more quickly in future pandemics or epidemics. In addition, the concept aims to involve patients more closely in decisions about treatment methods and to increase patient safety and quality of care.
A total of 16 projects are being funded to improve the health of Bavaria's citizens.