“The Patriarch’s health condition has not changed significantly; He is provided with everything necessary for the best treatment,” said Georgian Health Minister Mikheil Sarjveladze.

According to the Minister, heads of leading medical institutions are involved in the medication process.

“The situation is without any major changes or positive dynamics. Besides standard methodology, we are trying to bring together all competent opinions, different viewpoints that may be result-oriented around the issue or have any suggestions that could improve certain procedures. You may call it the Medical Council. Heads of leading medical institutions are here and holding consultations with them is crucial,” he said.

In response to a question from reporters, Mikheil Sajveladze said that the issue of the Patriarch’s transferring abroad for treatment was discussed at this stage.

“As for inviting foreign physicians, as soon as this necessity arises, it will be done, and everything will be ensured. Everything is provided for the patient’s best treatment. We are discussing mobilising more resources to improve the Patriarch’s health state. The patient is in the reanimation intensive care unit, and this means that no one can be happy with his condition. We are trying to do our best with medical manipulations, and the entire nation is united around one common idea,” he stated.

Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Ilia II, was admitted to the Caucasus Medical Centre last night following a sudden deterioration in his health state due to a massive gastrointestinal haemorrhage. The patient is on artificial ventilation and is currently placed in the critical medical department.