Irakli Purtseladze, Director General of the National Centre for Disease Control and Public Health (NCDC), has described the nationwide screening programme underway across Georgia as an unprecedented milestone in the country’s history.

“This is truly of enormous importance for our population. A project of this scale and technological capability has never been undertaken before,” said the Director General.

Purtsеladze also outlined the programme’s objectives, noting that the nationwide rollout would expand the geographical reach of healthcare services and raise public awareness.

“Screening takes place when a person has no symptoms. That is the very essence of prevention, detecting disease at an early stage. Early diagnosis also significantly improves treatment outcomes: early detection of breast cancer yields a 95 per cent treatment success rate, while for cervical cancer the figure is close to 100 per cent. Screening means saving lives,” he said.

The National Centre for Disease Control and Public Health launched the multi-region screening programme on March 16. Citizens can access the following tests entirely free of charge: screening for infectious diseases (hepatitis B and C, and HIV), breast and cervical cancer screening, and preventive examinations for non-communicable diseases. All tests are carried out on-site by qualified medical personnel using modern methods and standards, and will remain available until November 15. Any conditions identified through screening are covered for diagnosis and treatment under various state programmes.

National programmes for the early detection and management of cancer provide both diagnostic testing and treatment funding.

Non-communicable disease monitoring is accessible at the primary healthcare level, while diagnosis and treatment for infectious diseases, hepatitis B and C, and HIV are funded through national programmes, ensuring widespread access to essential services for the broader population.

Further details on specific locations and dates are available via the provided link.