Gov’t to finance treatment of children cancer patients in Spain, Israel, Turkey

The Georgian Ministry of Health and medical institutions in Israel, Spain and Turkey will sign agreements on cooperation this month to offer treatment to 300 children patients of cancer in Georgia in a ₾30 million ($11.56mln) annual programme.

The Government Administration announced on Monday the programme - fully financed by the state - would be a “transitional stage” until services are strengthened in Georgia, and a children's oncology centre, equipped with modern standards and high-tech equipment, is created in the country.

Health Minister Zurab Azarashvili said in a press briefing after Monday’s Government meeting patients would be able to start treatment in the partnering facilities “probably starting next month”.

Parents will have the opportunity to choose clinics where they want their children to be treated, which we will fully finance. From these three clinics, in the case of Turkey and Spain the proposed tariffs include one companion in addition to patients”, Azarashvili said.

The Minister added in the case of facilities in Israel, where the additional expense is not included, the costs would be covered by the Solidarity Fund, established in 2014 on the initiative of Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili to encourage donations for covering treatment for children with cancer and other priority social needs.