Georgia has a population of about 3.7 million people (2024 census record). It is located between Eastern and Western Europe. This location makes it a historical hub for growing innovation, and excellent route for trading.
The country consists of 9 provinces divided into several municipalities. There are also 5 cities that have independent regional governing bodies guided under the constitution of Georgia. Its capital is Tbilisi.
Btw the year 1991 & 1994, Georgia had had its own fair share of problems due to the break up of the Soviet Union. There came an economic collapse which led to the collapse of various public infrastructures, unregulated medical practices, reduced health budget and spending.
Between 1995 &1997, changes in the health insurance scheme were made. These changes were from compulsory medical insurance to the mandatory contribution of medical insurance. Hospitals also became state-owned and privately run with both financial and managerial freedom.
By the end of 2002, the mandatory contribution of medical insurance was changed to social insurance tax and it was at this period the delivery, procurement and planning of medical services were separated.
In the year 2007, the Government of Georgia began healthcare reforms. The private medical insurance companies became purchasers of medical services in collaboration with the social services agency, who bought premiums from them according to the numbers of very low-income earners in the population. Money realized from general tax were used to finance these premiums.
By the resolution of the Government of Georgia in 2010, the investments in hospital infrastructure by local and foreign investors saw the establishment of 135 medical centers all over, with nearly complete privatization of the health facilities by the end of 2013. There was also more leniency towards bureaucracy to allow for more outpatient and inpatient clinics.
The Ministry of Labor, Health and Social Affairs of Georgia plan, implement, and coordinate the activities of labor, health and social protection among the population under legislations of the parliament of Georgia.
The regional healthcare center of Georgia, also known as state-owned medical centers was later introduced btw 2014/2025 to allow for a targeted provision of necessary medical facilities in mainly inaccessible areas.
In Georgia, the coordinating body for public health services is the Center for Disease Control and Public Health which has 9 regional offices. Coordination of emergency situation and assistance is carried out by the Center for Coordination of Emergency Situations and Emergency Assistance. The body responsible for the quality of medicinal product and licensing is the Agency for State Regulation of Medical activities.
Recently, the Ministry of Labor, Health and Social affairs of Georgia have ensured that quality assurance methods are improved. This is so in order to support evidence-based clinical practices nationwide. Georgia encourages a private medical insurance scheme for all members of the population, but assistance from the state government is provided to the very low-income earners as vouchers, to patronize private insurance companies.
Reference:
Government of Georgia. Decree N724, 26.12.2014. On Approval of Georgian Healthcare System State Concept 2014-2020 “Universal Healthcare and Quality Management for Protection of Patient Rights”
Chanturidze, et al. 2009. “Georgia: Health system review.” Health Systems in Transition.
Government of Georgia. Decree N724, 26.12.2014. On Approval of Georgian Healthcare System State Concept 2014-2020 “Universal Healthcare and Quality Management for Protection of Patient Rights”.
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