Gov’t expands drug programme for chronic diseases, social aid for disabled

The Georgian Government on Monday announced an expansion in the drug programme for beneficiaries with chronic illnesses, as well as an increase in social assistance packages for disabled individuals, including children. 

In its comments following the weekly Government meeting chaired by Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili, the press office said individuals would receive fully funded glaucoma medication throughout the year starting from January 15. 

Additionally, those in the corresponding category will enjoy year-round full financing for medications related to chronic cardiovascular, pulmonary, thyroid diseases, type 2 diabetes, Parkinson's and epilepsy.

The enhancements introduced in the Universal Healthcare Programme extend to socially vulnerable individuals with a rating score under 100,000, pensioners, armed forces veterans, disabled persons including children and those with severe or significant disabilities, and residents of villages near the Administrative Boundary Line with the Russian-occupied regions.

As of January this year, the social package for severely disabled individuals and disabled children is set to see a ₾50 ($18) increase, climbing from ₾340 ($125) to ₾390 ($143), as announced by the Government press office.

The financial assistance for all other categories of disabled persons will see a ₾20 ($7) increment, raising the social package for individuals with significant disabilities from ₾175 ($64) to ₾195 ($71).

The budget for the adjustments amounts to approximately ₾46 million ($17mln), benefiting up to 123,000 recipients, the press office noted.