At a plenary session of Parliament, MPs heard the IDPs, Labor, Health and Social Protection Minister, Mikheil Sarjveladze, under the interpellation procedure.

The Minister appeared before Parliament based on a written request submitted by the parliamentary faction “For Georgia”.

Questions addressed to the Minister concerned the possibility of financing medications for Duchenne muscular dystrophy from the state budget, state programs for cancer treatment and their limits, as well as diagnostic and clinical-laboratory services for persons with disabilities.

The parliamentary faction also raised questions regarding the current state of reproductive health in the country, the state reference pricing program for medicines, an overview of the pharmaceutical market, and other related issues.

“My goal and desire is to work together with parents and answer all questions in order to improve the effectiveness of treatment for each patient. The Ministry continues to work on this issue; this did not begin today. Our work started long before any opposition representative became interested in the matter. There are people who genuinely care about and sympathize with patients, and we are among them. The Ministry became engaged in this issue at a time when it was not in anyone’s field of interest except for patients and their family members. It should be emphasized that, for us, the price of the medication is neither a primary nor secondary issue, although it does generate significant marketing interest for those trying to profit from it”, - Mikheil Sarjveladze stated.

According to the Minister, questions remain regarding the safety and effectiveness of medications intended to treat Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and it is important not to create false expectations about them.

“I emphasize once again that the purpose of these medications is to delay the need for a wheelchair. This in itself would be a significant result, were there no questions concerning their safety and effectiveness. It would not be right to create unrealistic expectations regarding these medicines. Any improvement they may bring is undoubtedly important, but it is essential that the medication truly delivers such results and does not create life-threatening risks. Simply spending money will not help patients; what will help a child is the right and genuinely effective medicine. We hope that a fully effective and safe medication will emerge soon. As soon as credible evidence appears, the Ministry will not delay making a decision”, - the Minister noted.

Mikheil Sarjveladze also responded to questions regarding cancer patients, stating that in 2025 alone, 400 million GEL from the state budget was spent on the needs of oncology patients.

“Last year, the state spent more on oncology patients than ever before. It should be noted that indicators related to the successful and effective management of oncology cases have improved. As for out-of-pocket payments by patients, these have been radically reduced in Georgia against the backdrop of increased state financing for oncology services. Specifically, over the last five years, out-of-pocket oncology expenses have been halved. Within the framework of the Universal Healthcare Program, in 2025, oncology management services were provided to 38,627 beneficiaries. Of these, 31,200 beneficiaries received chemotherapy and hormone therapy services, approximately 27,000 received program medications, and 6,400 patients benefited from radiation therapy. A large portion of these 38,000 patients receive services in Georgia, while 5,800 individuals have requested treatment in other directions”, - Mikheil Sarjveladze stated.

Regarding the reference pricing program, the Minister said that as a result of the reform, between 2023 and 2025, the population paid a total of 853 million GEL less for medications, and reference prices have now been established for more than 7,500 pharmaceutical products.

Speaking about reproductive health, Mikheil Sarjveladze noted that infertility may affect approximately 10–12% of couples in Georgia, and that this figure does not differ significantly from rates in Europe and the United States.

“With regard to persons with disabilities, the determination of disability status in Georgia is currently based on a nosological approach. Under this system, needs are identified not individually, but through a universal approach. The entire spectrum of medical services is defined according to this methodology. It should be noted that persons with disabilities benefit from a comprehensive package under the Universal Healthcare Program, which includes diagnostics, outpatient services, and other treatment methods. They are granted the greatest number of benefits and exemptions under the program”, - Mikheil Sarjveladze stated in response to questions concerning persons with disabilities.

In accordance with Parliament’s Rules of Procedure, following the Minister’s address, the interpellation continued in a question-and-answer format.