The Health Care and Social Issues Committee, within the oversight authorities for 2025, heard Mikheil Sarjveladze, the Minister of IDPs from the Occupied Territories, Labor, Health and Social Protection.

The reporter informed MPs about the early diagnosis and state screening program.

Despite the positive early diagnosis and screening dynamics, the outlined targets of efficiency in screening must still be achieved, he stated.

“All activities focused on disease prevention and early diagnostics are of paramount importance. This factor can lead to significant success in any healthcare sector. Despite the slight increase in population coverage in 2024, the efficiency index remains significantly below its normal level. It has been confirmed that screening programs are effective when they cover 70% of the population. However, the cancer screening program’s target falls significantly short of the recommended index, resulting in a mere 15% coverage. Consequently, it is imperative to enhance this program to meet the established standards”, - the reporter noted.

As he underlined, the achievement of the set target in 1-2 years is infeasible and thus, the plans of the Ministry in collaboration with the Government, are focused on the gradual approximation with the established standard - to cover 70% of the population in a couple of years.

The Minister also reviewed the early diagnosis activities and the screening improvement plans.

“We conducted an analysis of the persistent obstacles hindering the comprehensive implementation of the screening program and early diagnosis, as well as the Ministry’s initiatives in this regard. Additionally, we identified the necessary measures for fostering civic participation in these programs. The Minister unveiled plans aimed at expanding the coverage of the screening programs nationwide, with the primary objective of facilitating cancer prevention and mitigating the spread of diseases", - Zaza Lominadze emphasized.

The Chair of the Committee reaffirmed the Committee’s unwavering commitment to closely collaborating with the Ministry.