Georgia`s Minister of Health delivered a speech at the general debate held as part of the 79th session of the World Health Assembly.

Mikheil Sarjveladze spoke about the healthcare reforms implemented in Georgia, noting that following the introduction of the universal healthcare programme, over 95% of the population now has access to state-funded services.

"Over the course of the past decade, we have continued to strengthen our healthcare system through reforms aimed at improving accessibility, quality, and financial protection for the population. Since the launch of the universal healthcare programme, more than 95% of the population has access to state-funded healthcare services.

Access to essential medical care has been considerably expanded, whilst out-of-pocket payments by citizens have decreased substantially. In recent years, we have implemented significant pharmaceutical reforms, including the introduction of reference pricing mechanisms and managed entry agreements, which have improved access to medicines and enabled us to abolish the annual limits on medications for the treatment of oncological and chronic diseases under state programmes", - said the Minister.

He also spoke about the ongoing reform of primary healthcare, which is grounded in prevention, quality care, and patient-centred services.

As Sarjveladze noted, the reform encompasses new funding mechanisms, digital transformation, and the introduction of quality standards and outcomes-based approaches.