Zurab Azarashvili Continues Participation in the 78th session of the UN General Assembly
“The Universal Healthcare Program caused significant reduction of out-of-pocket payment of the population, state funding covers more than 95% of the population”, - stated Minister of Health of Georgia at the high-level meeting on access to healthcare services within the framework of 78th session of the UN General Assembly.
According to Zurab Azarashvili, within the framework of Universal Healthcare Program, with reduction of out-of-pocket payments, clinical outcomes, including TB, HIV and viral hepatitis have been improved.
Zurab Azarashvili presented ongoing and planned reforms aimed at strengthening of primary healthcare to the participants of the meeting – heads of heath entities of various countries. He stated that the Government of Georgia plans to further improve state programs, make them more comprehensive and more tailored to individual needs of the citizens to ensure their health and well-being.
“Current reforms are aimed at strengthening of primary healthcare, introducing new payment mechanisms with hospitals, establishment of e-Health information systems and price regulation of essential medicines.
Over the past 2 years, the State significantly increased allocation to provide new medicines to the patients with oncological and other chronic diseases. Rare Diseases Program has been expanded to ensure provision of vital services to patients in need.
Success of Universal Healthcare Program depends on qualified and motivated staff. The State works towards improved motivation and competencies of the medical staff, which will ultimately affect quality of care”, - stated Zurab Azarashvili.
Zurab Azarashvili emphasized adopted in 2022, National Health Strategy and noted that the document sets ambitious, but realistic goals to expand access to quality medical services, safe and effective medicines, vaccines.
“Based on the experience of the pandemic, in 2022 the State initiated package of reforms to accelerate development of patient-oriented healthcare model. This model will be comprehensive and will fully meet health needs of the population”, - stated Zurab Azarashvili.
Minister of Health of Georgia pays an official visit to the US, where he participates in high-level meetings within the framework of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly.
