Health Policy in the Rhein-Sieg District: Focus on Structure, Funding, and Vision for 2026

Health Policy in the Rhein-Sieg District: A Monthly Analysis

In February 2026, the Rhein-Sieg district engaged intensively with the structure and funding of its regional healthcare system. Numerous resolutions and discussions within the Committee for Emergency Services, Disaster Protection, and Health illustrate that the region is actively responding to changes in healthcare – whether through fee adjustments, personnel decisions, or future planning.

Fee Adjustment in Emergency Services: Cost Coverage in Focus

One of the central decisions concerned the adjustment of dispatch fees for emergency services. Following a revision of the emergency service ordinance in the Rhein-Sieg district, the fee for dispatching an emergency medical vehicle was reduced from 36.00 euros to 26.00 euros. This adjustment, effective retroactively from January 1, 2026, is aligned with the cost-covering principle under § 6 Abs. 1 Sentence 3 of the North Rhine-Westphalia Municipal Charges Act (KAG).

The decision reflects a fundamental aspect of local health policy: the financial viability and sustainability of emergency services must be ensured without placing an excessive burden on the population. At the same time, it demonstrates an awareness that transparency and cost-bearer fairness are central elements of public infrastructure provision.

Local Health Conference: Establishing and Expanding a Platform

Another focus was on the composition and structure of the Local Health Conference (KGK). As mandated by § 22 of the North Rhine-Westphalia Public Health Act (ÖGDG NRW), the district council convenes this conference, which serves as a central forum for coordinating regional healthcare. In the current electoral period, it was proposed to appoint one representative and one alternate per faction and group to the KGK, mirroring the previous electoral period.

In addition, the North Rhine-Westphalia Chamber of Psychotherapists was appointed as a regular member of the KGK – a response to the participation of a representative as a guest at the 38th session of the KGK on November 26, 2026. The chamber will now be a fixed partner in discussions on regional healthcare, demonstrating that the district recognizes and integrates the demand for mental health services into its planning.

Future of Midwifery and Hospital Care

Another discussion topic concerned midwifery and maternity care in the Rhein-Sieg district. The current situation was presented, showing that the district is consciously addressing the needs of expectant mothers and medical care in the mother-child sector. At the same time, the district administrator was tasked with participating in the regional planning process for service groups such as General Neurology and Stroke Units.

These efforts show that the Rhein-Sieg district is striving to respond to the acute needs of the population while initiating long-term planning for medical care. Participation in regional planning processes is a crucial step in ensuring the quality of healthcare.

Outlook: What's Next?

The decisions and discussions in February 2026 show that the Rhein-Sieg district is actively working on the future of healthcare. The Local Health Conference will need to further establish itself in the coming weeks and months – not least through the inclusion of new partners such as the Chamber of Psychotherapists.

At the same time, the fee policy in emergency services will be reviewed to ensure it remains sustainable for both the population and the municipality. The future of midwifery and hospital care will remain a central topic, likely to be discussed more intensively in the coming months.