Health Minister: prices regulated for ‘certain’ essential medicines

Georgia’s Minister of Health, Mikheil Sarjveladze, on Wednesday said prices are currently regulated for a number of medicines that are vital for the population, with reference pricing applied to around 7,000 pharmaceutical products.

Speaking on the issue, Sarjveladze explained that the introduction of reference prices means that costs for certain life-saving and essential medicines are now subject to regulation.

He added that the Ministry is working to expand the programme and improve its effectiveness.

“Where there is an opportunity to do better for the population, it is our responsibility to identify that opportunity and take steps to achieve the best possible balance. Our priority is the rights of patients and consumers who need medicines, while at the same time ensuring that businesses retain the ability to operate freely,” Sarjveladze said.