The Georgian government is expanding its rare disease treatment program to support patients with cystic fibrosis. Under the new changes, the state will purchase inhalation drugs, antibiotics, vitamins, and other medications for patients with cystic fibrosis. Funding for inpatient services is also increasing.
The Minister of Health personally informed the family members of cystic fibrosis patients about the change. Meetings were held in Kutaisi and Tbilisi, where the mentioned news was discussed in detail.
Also, other important issues were discussed to improve the quality of life of beneficiaries. The minister paid attention to meetings with parents and plans in this direction.
Mikheil Sarjveladze noted that the changes implemented in the program were based on regular communication with their family members according to the needs of patients.
The Ministry of Health is continuing to work to expand its program, including offering physiotherapy services and procurement of other medicines to meet patient needs.
As a pediatrician, Professor Ivane Chkhaidze noted, such meetings where parents of patients with cystic fibrosis discuss important issues directly with the Minister and hear answers from him.
Within the framework of the implemented changes, patients will be funded:
• Antibiotics Tobramycin and Colomycin
• Fat-soluble vitamin complex (A, D, E, K)
• Mucones (hypertonic solution) – 3% and 6%
• Combined drug – Ipratropium bromide monohydrate, phenoterol hydrobromide
• Acetylcysteine (mucolysis and cough)
• Ursodeoxycholic acid (Hepatoprotector)
These drugs will dramatically improve the quality of life of the patient and help manage disease, prevent complications, and improve treatment outcomes. Provision of medicines will start step by step in October and November.
The meetings were attended by: Representatives of the Ministry of Health, Chairman of the Parliament’s Committee on Health and Social Affairs Zaza Lominadze, and doctors.
Cystic Fibrosis is a progressive genetic disease where the body’s secretions are not cleared, which leads to recurrent respiratory tract infections in patients.
This is the second change, which will be implemented in the state program of rare diseases in 2025. In July, the ministry started funding medical medicines and research for patients with multiple sclerosis living in the regions. The total budget of the program is 55,000,000 GEL.
