Minister: Gov’t Spends $117 on Each Citizen’s Healthcare

Davit Sergeenko, Minister of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Labor, Health and Social Affairs of Georgia, says that the government spends $117 on healthcare for every person annually in the country.

“You can see how Georgia’s healthcare spending has increased. We now spend $117 per person per year and we aim to improve on that further for our population,” he said.

The Universal Healthcare Program was launched in February 2013 to serve all non-insured individuals living in Georgia.

Under the changes made to the program last year, children under five, pensioners, students, teachers, persons with disabilities and socially vulnerable people enjoy benefits, like access to free ambulatory medicines and the use of the State Universal Program and private insurance at the same time, a benefit not available to other groups.

The state also funds childbirth, Hepatitis C, tuberculosis, and diabetes management program costs. Free medicines are available only for the most vulnerable and needy, who receive medicines for a symbolic price of 1 GEL monthly.

By Thea Morrison