Georgia: The Georgian Health Minister discussed planned changes in funding resuscitation cases with sector representatives. At the meeting, Mikheil Sarjveladze introduced a new initiative to the heads of medical institutions and reanimatologists, which plans to increase the funding of high-cost reanimation cases.
In the program’s pilot phase, the initiative will address managing pneumonia and shortness of breath, which account for the majority of resuscitation cases.
At the meeting, an initiative was also discussed whereby the high-cost cases of long-term delays in intensive care, along with DRG, as an exception, will be funded on a bed basis. It was noted here that in medical institutions, after resuscitation, for prolonged patient care, a special department is also planned.
The Ministry worked on the changes with experts in the field and sector and sector representatives. In addition, the mentioned initiatives take into account international experience.
As Mikheil Sarjveladze noted at the meeting with sector representatives, the goal of the planned updates is to complete the DRG funding model. These changes will have a positive impact on the protection of patients’ interests and rights and on the effective operation of clinics.
Lela Sulaberidze, Head of the Department of Strategic Development and Analytics, presented about new initiatives. Then, the meeting continued in question-and-answer mode.
At the meeting, the head of the Georgian delegation of the World Health Organization assessed the implementation of DRG in the country as a successful reform. According to Silviu Domente, this has increased citizens’ financial security and access to the healthcare or hospital sector. However, it is important to constantly monitor and update the DRG system.
As noted, the news as soon as it is operating, active monitoring will be carried out, and then, step by step, it will be spread to all reanimation cases.
Attending the meeting held in Kutaisi: Ministers of Health of the Autonomous Republics of Adjara and Abkhazia Nino Nizharadze and Levan Chakvetadze, Deputy Chairman of the Parliament Health Committee Vladimir Kakhadze and Zaal Mikeladze. Also – Silviu Domente, Head of the Georgian delegation to the World Health Care Organization, Levan Kiknavelidze, Acting Commissioner of State in Imereti, and other guests.
Silvio Domente (translation): It is crucial for us to emphasize that during this pilot phase, it is most important to collect very solid data, analyze it, and answer all the questions raised today. The second important issue is to maintain this open and transparent dialogue, which we have seen today—we have seen dialogue from all stakeholders—providers, government, etc.. This will build trust and reliability in the system.
