Villagers living in Georgia’s remote areas have access to basic medical care for the first time.
Sixty one small clinics have been constructed and are fitted with modern medical equipment to give residents of remote villages access to basic medical care, while work is continuing on at least 21 additional facilities earmarked for other regions of Georgia.
In total, 82 clinics across the country will be built in villages where first aid and primary health care is not currently available. The small facilities are being built in a project jointly funded by the Municipal Development Fund (MDF) and the Georgian Government.
Experts decided special attention would be paid to villages in the highlands and village located near the administration line of Georgia’s breakaway regions. Specifically, 14 small clinics will be built in villages near the occupation line to give people in need access to vital medical care.
The Government invested almost 2.5 million GEL into the project and it is expected all 82 clinics will be completed by the end of the year. The small centres measure 41-42 square metres in size and will operate at international standards.
The buildings are prepared using specialist techniques and are equipped with two heating systems and two bathrooms, said Georgia’s Ministry of Regional Development and Infrastructure.
The buildings’ internal and external infrastructures also are suitable for people with disabilities and all construction equipment is locally produced at Lilo factory.
A Ministry of Regional Development and Infrastructure spokesperson said the local government was involved in the project.
"Particularly, local authorities will provide a designated area [for the building] foundations, underground utilities and water, gas and electricity in the area to finish it,” the spokesperson said.
The Government offices involved in the project are the Ministry of Regional Development and Infrastructure and the Ministry of Labour, Health and Social Affairs.