The issue of high co-payments has been a pressing concern for citizens with fixed incomes in Georgia, particularly for those seeking expensive medical treatments.
With some patients even refusing necessary treatments due to the high costs involved, the healthcare association demanded action from the government to address the issue. In response, the Ministry of Health has developed a mechanism to reduce co-payments for patients.
Maya Makharashvili, head of the Supervisory Board of the Healthcare Association, confirmed the development of the new mechanism, which sets a "ceiling" on co-payments. Under the new rules, if a patient's co-payment exceeds 300 GEL (approximately $85 USD), the state will cover the remaining amount.
This is a significant relief for those with limited financial resources who require costly medical treatments. While the exact numbers of patients who will benefit from the new policy are not yet known, Makharashvili emphasized that the principle of the rule is a positive step forward in addressing the high cost of medical treatments for patients with fixed incomes.
The Ministry of Health's decision to address the issue of high co-payments has been welcomed by the healthcare association, which has been advocating for changes to the system since the launch of "Diarji." Makharashvili noted that there has been constructive communication with the Ministry on the issue and expressed hope that the decision will be implemented soon. The reduction in co-payments for patients is an important step towards ensuring that healthcare services are accessible and affordable for all Georgians, regardless of their income level.
