Tbilisi, Georgia: The government of the country has expanded its rare disease program to support multiple sclerosis patients with free medicines, MRI scans, and medical services, helping improve treatment and reduce family expenses.
The Minister of Health of Georgia met with patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and their family members – about state funding and new services, Mikheil Sarjveladze, gave them detailed information.
According to the Health Minister, as a result of the news, all patients will have equal access to the necessary treatment, which will significantly improve their quality of life, and free beneficiaries and their families from significant financial pressure.
As part of the program, the state has already purchased “Ocrevus” (solution) and “Gillenia” (tablets) of the highest quality, produced by leading pharmaceutical companies.
Patients will not be financed by these medications, which are prescribed individually according to the specifics of the diagnosis. Also, in case of Ocrevus settlement, its transfusion or an underarm injection, which is done in a daycare, is funded.
The patients will receive free MRIs of the brain and spinal cord, as needed, to provide financial support to beneficiaries, to monitor treatment, and increase its effectiveness.
The program also includes, under day care, a component of the treatment of medication methylprenisolone, which is prescribed in case of a disease burns, and is fully funded.
It should be noted that the program is implemented by the local government for beneficiaries living in the capital and Adjara.
To enroll in the program, the patient or his/her representative must contact the National Health Agency, present a Form 100 and after registration in the program the beneficiary will be able to withdraw the prescribed medication from the pharmacy and for medical services refer to a medical facility.
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, progressive disease of the central nervous system that causes limitation of various functions, and treatment significantly improves patients’ quality of life.
