From March 2024, the early cancer diagnosis program will be launched, providing funding for early screening. The Ministry of Health of Georgia states that the program includes high-tech examinations and specialist consultations, which will improve the detection of oncological diseases at an early stage.
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For several weeks, a rally in support of cancer patients – “I Want to Live” - has been held in front of the government administration in Tbilisi. The participants of the action demand the removal of the 25,000 GEL annual limit and the state's full, individual financing of the treatment of patients diagnosed with cancer. Additionally, according to cancer patients, the allocation of funding is often delayed by a month or two, when every day can be crucial.
According to the Ministry of Health, within the framework of the universal health care program, the treatment of oncological diseases is equally accessible to each beneficiary, for which important reforms have been implemented in recent years.
Since November 2022, the annual limit for treatment (including hormone therapy, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy) and medicines for all beneficiaries of patients with an oncological diagnosis has increased to 25,000 GEL, without requiring patient co-payment.
“Starting from last year, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, radiation therapy, and oncosurgery services have been financed for all citizens of Georgia.
Through agreements with the companies Roche and Novartis, the state has purchased expensive medicines at significantly lower prices, thus meeting the needs of patients, providing more medicines, and increasing the number of beneficiaries. In 2024, the Ministry will have the opportunity to allocate a budget of more than 350 million GEL for medicines and services due to the purchase of oncological medicines directly from the manufacturer at significantly lower prices and the reforms implemented.
In addition to the universal healthcare program, the Ministry of Health considers the needs of patients within the framework of the referral commission, where medical services and medicines are financed individually for the patient,” the Ministry of Health's statement says.
The Ministry notes that there are plans to meet with patients with oncological diseases, during which they will be provided with detailed information on any issue important to them.
