Babies born on New Year 2014

Four minutes after the turn of the year, the first child was born in Georgia.

Figures released by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Social Affairs confirmed more than 70 children were born across the country by 2pm today (January 1).

The clock struck 00:04am when the first child of the year was born in Kutaisi.

Meanwhile, Reziko Sanikiani was the first baby born on New Years Eve at 00:45am in Tbilisi, the countrys capital city.

The deputy Minister of Healthcare Mariam Jashi and her son visited the newborn today.

She congratulated the babys mother, Teona Meskhishvili, and gave presents to the family on behalf of the Ministry.

Today, the Deputy Minister of Healthcare announced the implementation of two new initiatives, which came into effect on January 1.

The new laws include an increase in maternity leave from four to six months and an increase in maternity pay from 600 to 1000 GEL.

In addition, Universal Healthcare Program will compensate childbirth services to women who have their insurances suspended for various reasons.