“Since the launch of its ‘Funding of Multiple Sclerosis Medications and Research’ programme, the capital’s City Hall has funded 2,769 cases involving medications and high-technology diagnostic investigations,” announced Mayor of Tbilisi Kakha Kaladze at today’s session of the municipal government.

He noted that May 30 is World Multiple Sclerosis Day, and in observance of the occasion, the Tbilisi TV Tower will be illuminated in orange.

“The 30th of May is World Multiple Sclerosis Day, which aims to raise public awareness, express solidarity with those living with this diagnosis, and offer them support. To mark the occasion, the Tbilisi TV Tower will be lit up in orange to further testify to our support and our commitment.

Multiple sclerosis is an unpredictable disease of the central nervous system that disrupts communication between the brain and the body, and can ultimately lead to a person’s complete incapacitation.

With a view to assisting those living with this disease and their families, the City Hall is implementing the ‘Funding of Multiple Sclerosis Medications and Research’ programme, which is of the utmost importance. Specifically, the City of Tbilisi’s Healthcare and Social Services Department provides funding for costly medications and MRI scans of the brain and spinal cord for citizens diagnosed with multiple sclerosis,” said Kakha Kaladze.

Tbilisi Mayor also explained that administering treatment helps to suppress the activity of the disease.

“This programme was one of our electoral pledges, and in 2020, we began its implementation by funding medications. The programme has been expanded gradually, with the addition of high-technology diagnostic investigations. It was also decided that, following the same approach used for citizens registered in the socially vulnerable persons database, all beneficiaries of the medications programme will receive full, 100% funding. This represents substantial financial support for those individuals. After consulting with medical experts, City Hall also removed the age restriction for those eligible to join the programme. It is worth noting that the treatment being administered makes it possible to suppress the activity of this disease and to help those living with multiple sclerosis return to their everyday lives in society. Since the programme’s inception, we have funded 2,769 cases involving medications and high-technology investigations,” the Mayor of the capital noted.

Kaladze also reiterated that, should the need arise, Tbilisi Municipality would stand by the Tbilisi residents through its existing support programmes.