Health Minister addresses general debate at 79th Session of World Health Assembly
Georgia’s Minister of Health, Mikheil Sarjveladze, delivered a speech at the general debate held as part of the 79th session of the World Health Assembly.
The Minister spoke about the healthcare reforms implemented in Georgia, noting that following the introduction of the universal healthcare programme, over 95 per cent of the population now has access to state-funded services.
According to the Minister, the pharmaceutical reforms carried out in recent years, including the introduction of reference pricing, have significantly improved access to medicines.
“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 per cent 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,” Mikheil Sarjveladze declared.
The Minister also spoke about the ongoing reform of primary healthcare, which is grounded in prevention, quality care, and patient-centred services.
Mikheil Sarjveladze noted that the reform encompasses new funding mechanisms, digital transformation, and the introduction of quality standards and outcomes-based approaches.
Participating in the 79th session of the World Health Assembly alongside Mikheil Sarjveladze are: Zaza Lominadze, Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Healthcare and Social Affairs; Lela Sulaberidze, Head of the Strategic Development and Analytics Department of the Ministry of Health; and Aleksandre Maisurаdze, Permanent Representative of Georgia to the United Nations Office in Geneva and other international organisations.
Most Read
Other News
WHO cites Georgia’s Hepatitis C elimination program as a successful example
30.07.2026.18:13
The World Health Organization’s Regional Office for Europe (WHO/Europe) has cited Georgia’s Hepatitis C elimination program as a successful example, the Georgian Health Ministry said.
According to the Ministry, the WHO 2026 Global Report on Hepatitis emphasizes Georgia’s progress and experience in how a disease can be reduced through firm political will, large-scale testing, and the provision of universal treatment.
“Georgia’s Hepatitis C elimination program has demonstrated that elimination is not merely a goal, but a truly achievable outcome. By expanding testing, ensuring access to treatment, and collaborating closely with communities, we have dramatically reduced the burden of Hepatitis C in the country.
Our experience demonstrated that any country can make progress when Hepatitis elimination becomes a national priority,” said Maia Tsereteli, Head of Division of HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, TB and STIs at the National Center for Disease Control and Public Health (NCDC).
The Health Ministry believes this international recognition highlights Georgia’s leadership in this direction.
The WHO calls on countries in the European region to overcome barriers and draw on the experience of successful nations to achieve the elimination of viral hepatitis by 2030.
Health Minister thanks parents for constructive talks, joint working group critically important to secure DMD medication
04.06.2026.17:52
Working group to be established on medicines for children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy - Georgian PM
04.06.2026.17:50
WHO Director-General: Georgia’s “commitment, success” gives us hope that malaria-free world “possible”
27.01.2025.00:00
