Health Ministry Detects Violations in Clinics

Georgia’s Ministry of Labor, Health and Social Affairs has detected violations in a number of clinics, which, as a result, may be withdrawn from the state-led Universal Healthcare Program.

The information was released on January 18 by the Health Minister, Davit Sergeenko, who held a meeting with the heads of the clinics and gave them certain warnings and recommendations.

Sergeenko stressed that several clinics had used the state money for management and dividends, and spent only a small amount on medical personnel and patients.

“The state funds paid to the clinics were spent on the management and only a little on patient care and the wages of doctors, nurses and other medical personnel,” the Minister stressed, going on to underline that the ministry would not cooperate with such medical institutions.

Moreover, Sergeenko said that around 12 clinics and hospitals may be withdrawn from the state program and placed on a “black list.” However, these clinics will be able to continue functioning.

Sergeenko added that the number of withdrawn clinics would be lower if the clinics heeded the warnings and took the recommendations into consideration.

Another problem detected by the Ministry is delay in payment of medical personnel salaries.

“The state funds are transferred to the clinics on time, however, the managers of some clinics pay the personnel with delays. This is a big problem,” he stressed.

The Minister added that monitoring of clinics would be tightened and new reforms launched in order to upgrade the Universal Healthcare Program and improve quality in clinics.

The managers of the clinics stated at the meeting that there were no violations in their clinics and expressed readiness to consider the new recommendations of the Health Ministry.

“There are no violations in our clinics. However, some problems were detected in the field and the Health Ministry should take timely and proper measures. We will continue cooperation with the state,” Director General of the largest medical corporation - Evex - said.

The Universal Healthcare Program was launched in February 2013 and partially covers the medical treatment expenses of all non-insured citizens of Georgia.

The government made changes to the Program in September 2014, which meant that medical aid for pensioners, children under five, students and persons with disabilities would be administered by the State instead of private insurance companies. Moreover, the general waiting time for planned surgeries decreased from four months to two.

The second wave of the Program will be launched from February and the government is planning to include the funding of medicines for vulnerable people.

Thea Morrison