Georgia appointed co-chair of Group of Friends on Universal Health Coverage

A meeting of the Group of Friends on Universal Health Coverage was held at the UN Headquarters in New York as part of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly. Georgia is one of the co-chairs of the Group of Friends on Universal Health Coverage.

Georgian Minister of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Labour, Health and Social Affairs Mikheil Sarjveladze participated in the meeting in his capacity as co-chair of the group.

Sarjveladze spoke about Georgia’s experience and highlighted reforms implemented in the country in the area of universal healthcare.

The minister noted that since the launch of the Universal Healthcare Program in 2013, population coverage has increased to more than 95%. According to him, the package of medical services has been gradually expanded, patient co-payments have been reduced, and government spending on healthcare has increased.

According to the minister, since the launch of the Universal Healthcare Program, a number of significant changes have been implemented to strengthen the healthcare system and improve the quality of services. A new stage of reforms is continuing this process, with strengthening primary healthcare among its key priorities.

Sarjveladze said the primary healthcare reform launched in 2025 aims to strengthen disease prevention and early detection, improve the management of chronic diseases and ensure continuity of medical care for patients.

The minister also discussed reforms aimed at improving healthcare financing and quality. He highlighted mechanisms for ensuring the quality of medical services and the introduction of minimum wage standards for medical personnel.

Alongside Georgia, Japan and Thailand are co-chairs of the Group of Friends on Universal Health Coverage. The meeting was also attended by Spain’s Minister of Health and representatives of governments and health authorities from various countries.