PM Checks Face Mask Manufacturing Process at Adjara Textile Factory

Prime Minister of Georgia Giorgi Gakharia observed the process of manufacturing face masks at the Adjara Textile factory in Batumi.

The head of government stressed the importance of developing local production, especially in light of the global shortage of face masks.

Furthermore, he noted that it is no less important that 3,200 persons are employed in the factory, which means that about 3,200 families will retain their sources of income despite the ongoing crisis.

Over a period of two weeks, six Georgian factories have already manufactured a million face masks. Two more factories will join their number on Monday. According to the PM, this will gradually allow the state to fully meet the growing demand on the domestic market.

Face masks produced in Georgia will first be distributed free of charge to pensioners over the age of 70 who suffer from chronic diseases, and subsequently to the healthcare sector, patrol police, customs officers, and grocery chain employees. Providing pharmaceutical chains with full supplies of face masks is planned for the next stage.

The Prime Minister noted that in addition to fighting the virus, the Government of Georgia will do its utmost to support the development of local production so that it can quickly restore its strength and replace imports as soon as the crisis has ended.

In addition, he observed the process of furnishing the new Republican Hospital in Batumi with equipment together with Minister of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Labor, Health and Social Affairs, Ekaterine Tikaradze, and Chairman of the Government of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara Tornike Rizhvadze.

The medical facility was already presented with nine artificial respiration devices, which are essential for the treatment of severe cases of infection.

The hospital will be furnished with medical equipment and beds in the coming days, after which it will be fully prepared to receive patients.

The full equipment of the new clinic will be completed by the end of April and it will be able to serve up to 170 patients at a time. The hospital provides severe patients with medical services in all areas.

The PM noted that the Autonomous Republic of Adjara is prepared to manage and control the virus, in case of necessity.

Four clinics have been mobilized in the region of Adjara to manage patients infected with the coronavirus, as well as patients displaying signs of fever. As regards the entire country – the figure stands at 63, of which 32 medical institutions will become involved in the program gradually, in line with the dynamics of the development of the coronavirus itself. 

Source: Government of Georgia's Press Service