Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Kobakhidze, cited management and communication problems as the reasons for dismissing Zurab Azarashvili from the position of Minister of Health.
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“I saw problems in terms of management and communication. In this regard, there was dissatisfaction in the medical community. I myself was convinced, as evidenced by the Republican hospital, that such problems really existed. Personally, during a meeting with the staff of the Republican Hospital, 8 people attended, intelligent medical professionals who presented their arguments. Such arguments need to be heard and considered.
You could also see that within this sector, there were numerous requests, such as those for specific representatives, specialists, and patients to meet with the Prime Minister. Such issues should be addressed at the ministry level. They do not need to be escalated. These matters can be handled at a lower level. I have identified issues here. These problems must be rectified not only in the healthcare field but also across all fields,” Kobakhidze told the media.
As for the appointment of the new Minister of Health, Irakli Kobakhidze stated that it should be decided based on broad consultations.
“There is no decision yet. We will consult with both team members and possibly industry representatives. We will ensure a transparent process. When I refer to team members, Bidzina Ivanishvili is the leader of our team, the honorary chairman. Naturally, when it is necessary to consult with the team, Mr. Bidzina is the team's representative,” said Irakli Kobakhidze.
After Irakli Gharibashvili resigned from the post of Prime Minister, there were reports in the media about the possible replacement of four ministers, including Zurab Azarashvili, which Irakli Kobakhidze himself denied. Today, the Prime Minister stated that changing the Minister of Health was not part of his plan, but he identified flaws in the process. Zurab Azarashvili was a member of Irakli Gharibashvili's team.
At the government meeting on January 22, 2024, a decision was made to dismantle the building of the Republican Hospital and construct a new, multi-disciplinary, 500-bed clinic in its place. The Ministry of Health announced that this decision was based on five expert opinions, which concluded that “reconstruction of the building to meet international standards is largely impossible and not cost-effective.” Simultaneously, the reorganization process commenced at the Republican Hospital, with the Ministry requesting doctors to submit notices of dismissal.
The employees of Republican Hospital appealed to the court regarding the government's decree on the dismantling of the building. The doctors held demonstrations and demanded the suspension of the Ministry of Health's decision on the reorganization, which they deemed to be hasty and unjustified.
On February 23, Irakli Kobakhidze met with the doctors of the Republican Hospital, following which it was announced that the hospital would not be dismantled until a new building is constructed. The reorganization will be halted, and the hospital will continue to operate in the same building for the next 3 years.
