Gov’t announces funding for early medical treatment of oncology patients
The PM also said citizens would save up to ₾300-400 million ($110-147 mln) in out-of-pocket payments in 2024 due to “effective measures” implemented by the Government. Photo: Government Administration
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Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili on Friday said the Government would allocate an additional ₾65 million ($23 mln) to the Healthcare Ministry to finance early treatment for oncology patients in next year's budget, with a total spending of ₾7.8 billion ($2,873).
Garibashvili said the healthcare budget had increased by ₾6 billion ($2,2bln) over the past 11 years, marking a 325 percent rise, and called it a “radical change” compared to 2012.
He added funding for healthcare programmes had been increased, pledging about 400,000 pensioners with chronic diseases and reliant on medication would receive the drugs for free throughout the following year.
The PM also said citizens would save up to ₾300-400 million ($110-147 mln) in out-of-pocket payments in 2024 due to “effective measures” implemented by the Government.
Garibashvili also pointed out cheaper prices on medicines, calling the figures a “very important change” ensured by the Ministry and noting the Government would “control and improve this process”.
The Georgian Government on Monday said it would fund oncological surgery, both planned and emergency, for all cancer patients without the state-funded insurance, and announced tougher regulations for dental service providers to ensure higher standards for safety.
Hormone therapy, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and medicines will be financed for all oncology patients throughout Georgia, the Ministry of Health said on Wednesday.
The Georgian Government will fully finance treatment of children with oncological diseases in medical institutions of Israel, Spain and Turkey after signing a deal on cooperation with partner clinics on Monday, the Health Ministry announced.
Georgian Health Minister Zurab Azarashvili on Monday said the Ministry would finance "year-long medication needs" for oncology patients and was in talks with drug manufacturers.
Zurab Azarashvili, the candidate for the Minister of Health of Georgia, on Monday said the body would start financing early testing for patients with oncological illnesses “in the near future”.
The Ministry of Health of Georgia on Thursday announced three new clinics were added to the state programme financing oncological treatment of children under 18 at foreign medical institutions.