Health Minister is optimistic that state healthcare programme expansion will yield life-changing benefits

“It was through the Prime Minister’s personal involvement and decision that Georgian patients gained access to medication for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. This is truly a momentous achievement. It was not an easy decision to make, as it involved very significant and serious factors, including issues surrounding drug safety and clinical application practices,” Minister of Health Mikheil Sarjveladze stated following today’s cabinet meeting.

According to the Minister, the new medication will become available to patients in the near future. Mikheil Sarjveladze underscored the significance of the decision, noting that Georgia will be among the first countries to fund this drug under a state healthcare programme.

“Essentially, Georgia will be one of the first countries to make this medication accessible to patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy through its state programmes. This is no simple feat, even for nations with far greater financial capabilities than Georgia. In reality, many states refrain from procuring this medication, partly for financial reasons,” Mikheil Sarjveladze noted.

The Health Minister also spoke regarding a second medication for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, stating that negotiations for its acquisition are currently underway.

“I believe that in the coming days we will be in a position to announce the next decision regarding Duchenne management. This will be a very significant step forward in terms of expanding the programme,” Mikheil Sarjveladze stated.

Furthermore, the Health Minister noted that the ministry is actively collaborating with the parents’ organisation of patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, as well as with clinicians and suppliers.

“A very positive, fruitful, and constructive collaboration is taking place between the Ministry and the parents’ organisation. Naturally, clinicians and doctors are involved, whose engagement is critically important. Furthermore, collaboration with suppliers is of paramount importance to ensure that treatment is as effective as possible for the patients. We are very optimistic that the expansion of the programme will yield beneficial outcomes for every single patient,” Mikheil Sarjveladze declared.